WEST MILFORD Do something special this Sunday to honor your father: give blood.
Sunday, June 17 is the Monthly Blood Drive's 13th anniversary. Yes, the monthly event started back in June of 1999 and there have been significant changes over the years in the amount of blood collected - over 11,000 products - and the way it gets done.
The Monthly Blood Drive is held on the third Sunday of every month. It's a family-friendly, once a month party. No appointments are required. Donors can be as young as 17 years old, with a letter of permission from the parents/guardians. They welcome first time donors. And there are incentives to give: movie passes and free Baskin-Robbins ice cream for all donors.
It is Father's Day so do something that will make Dad even more proud of you. Stop by between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Early birds are always welcome.
Representatives from Operation Share will be on hand in the morning to collect stem cell samples (via a quick cheek swab).
The Monthly Blood Drive is also participating in Operation Thank You, a program started at Macopin Middle School where care packages are sent to soldiers overseas. The drive became involved in May and had a tremendous response. Even if you can't donate blood this month, all are urged to consider dropping off items for the guys and gals overseas.
Requested items for Operation Thank You include:
Deodorant, Chapstick, eye drops (non-medicated), granola bars, gum, ramen noodles, beef jerky, gum, hard candies, tuna (individual packets), fruit snacks, socks, pillow covers, gel insoles, notebooks, cards/envelopes to write home, pens, vitamin C drops, batteries, playing cards, recreational games like Velcro darts, hand held games, Nerf footballs or games, sports equipment like footballs, baseballs and gloves, crossword puzzles, books, magazines, DVD movies, CDs, feminine hygiene products, sports bras, comfortable socks, toothbrushes, coffee (Caf/Decaf) in cans or individual packets, toothpaste, tea and powdered drink mixes, and bottles to
hold drinks. So stop by the Monthly Blood Drive this Sunday at the West Milford First Aid Squad, 619 Ridge Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For information, email Jim Gilligan at jrg2y@yahoo.com or call 973-728-4251.