WEST MILFORD The Marshall Hill Grammar School Student Council will sponsor the Monthly Blood Drive on Sunday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event will be held at the First Aid Squad Building on Ridge Road near the town library. “It is important for us not only to teach our students the basic rules of reading and writing but it is equally important that they understand how they can help make the world a better place,” said Principal Michael McCormick. “We are asking our students to help in two ways. One is to recruit donorsparents, siblings, other relatives, neighbors and family friendsanyone over 17 years old in good health can donate. Second, we will ask a team of them be on hand that day to welcome donors and to staff the canteen (where refreshments are served after donating). We hope that by doing this they will get a better understanding of the blood donation process and, more importantly, how they can do their part to assist in this valuable community service.” To further increase the number of donors, the Monthly Blood Drive is also urging Marshall Hill alumni and their families to donate and sign a registry book. “We hope that people who attended Marshall Hill (and are now over age 17) will donate and sign in,’ added Jim Gilligan, Chairman of the Monthly Blood Drive. “The Marshall Hill community is a very tight knit group and we hope that they will come out to support this valuable cause”. Marshall Hill’s participation continues a tradition of inviting community groups to get involved in the Monthly Blood Drive. Past sponsors have included the West Milford Lions, the Queen of Peace Knights of Columbus, Marshall Hill School Student Council and others. “Many groups require community service and some national groups even specify participation in a blood drive. “The Monthly Blood Drive provides an outlet for that community service requirement,” said Gilligan. Blood products collected at the Monthly Blood Drive are used at hospitals across northern New Jersey. Since 1999, the award winning activity has been cited by local and state officials for the continued dedication. In 2005, the Monthly Blood Drive exceed their goal of 1,000 donations). The Monthly Blood Drive was one of the first mobile donation sights that accepted platelets and continues to do so to this day. For more information, contact Jim Gilligan at 973-728-4251or jrg2y@yahoo.com.