Boots vs. Badges vs. Bandages – Vote for First Responders with Your Donation of Blood
It’s summer and that means blood donations are in short supply while the demand for blood is skyrocketing! As an incentive, Central Jersey Blood Center (CJBC), 494 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury, N.J., is sponsoring a “Boots vs. Badges vs. Bandages” blood drive, its first annual First Responders program, from Saturday, August 13 through Sunday August 28, 2016.
The Central Jersey Blood Center will award one $500 donation to a police department, fire department, or first aid squad in the county of either Monmouth, Ocean, or Middlesex that has the most blood donors during the drive.
Everyone, 17 years of age and up who can, should consider giving a donation of blood as soon as possible in honor of our first responders. Director of Donor Relations, Michael Leviton, said, “First responders step up for us on a daily basis. Let’s support first responders, our heroes, who are always there in an emergency, by donating blood and voting for the emergency services unit of your choice.”
Alyssa Drown, the marketing manager of CJBC, said, “Spread the word to friends, family, and members of the community about the importance of blood donations during this desperate time of need. Everyday 100s of people in New Jersey need blood. Whether it’s because of automobile accidents, cancer patients in need of treatment, or the multitude of other reasons individuals need blood, we need community members to roll up their sleeves and give these patients life, strength and hope.”
The Central Jersey Blood Center, a community-based, nonprofit blood collection and distribution organization, strives to save lives every single day by providing safe blood products that go to local New Jersey hospitals. One person’s donation can save three lives. No substitution exists for human blood; it cannot be manufactured!
Blood donations can be made at one of three donor centers: Howell, Toms River, and Shrewsbury. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Mention “Summer of Heroes: First Responders” when you call and give SPONSOR Code SPON047605 to the front desk at check in. To schedule an appointment, call 1-888-71-BLOOD (888-712-5663) or text “Brave” to 444999. Visit www.cjbcblood.org or contact Alyssa Drown at 518-569-1841.
Central Jersey Blood Center can also work with any group or organization interested in the Boots, Badges, and Bandages Blood Drive that can guarantee the registration of 25 donors or more to hold a blood drive at their location. Contact Karen Moore at (732)842-5750 Ext. 243 or kmoore@cjbcblood.org for details.
Donor Centers:
Shrewsbury (732- 842-5750) Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, Noon to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Howell 4068 Route 9 South, Howell Plaza Shopping Center (732 901-0720) Monday and Wednesday, Noon to 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Sundays.
Toms River: 1256 Indian Head Road & Route 9 South, Indian Head Shopping Plaza (Next to Pathmark), (732-349-3110) Monday, Noon to 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.