With Labor Day Weekend on the horizon, the New York Blood Center (NYBC) is calling on Brooklyn residents to donate blood during a period when collections are especially low.
The summer months, including holiday weekends like Labor Day, often see a decrease in blood donations due to vacations and other seasonal activities, and with families focusing on back-to-school preparations, NYBC officials say blood donation can often be overlooked.
“We often see a drop in donations around Labor Day, but the demand for blood doesn’t take a holiday,” Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center Andrea Cefarelli said in a statement. “We encourage all who are eligible to take just an hour of their time to donate blood and make a huge impact on the lives of patients in our community.”
To incentivize donations, NYBC is offering a chance to win a $2,500 Target gift card to all donors who give blood between Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 — during which time several Brooklyn locations will host blood drives.
Those looking to give blood can do so at the following locations:
Infinity Educational Programs
Thursday, Aug. 29
12-6 p.m. at 1972 East 34th St. in Marine Park
Vanderbilt Open Streets
Saturday, Aug. 31
12-6 p.m. at 595 Vanderbilt Ave. in Prospect Heights
Haley’s Comets at Greenhouse Café
Wednesday, Sept. 4
10 a.m.-8 p.m. at 7717 Third Ave. in Bay Ridge
All donors at these locations will automatically be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win the gift card. Additional participating locations in New York City include Hotel 50 Bowery and NYPD PSA 6 on Aug. 28.
For more information on how to donate, eligibility requirements, or to make an appointment at a blood drive near you, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Those unable to donate blood can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.
Founded in 1964, the New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) remains one of the largest nonprofit, independent, community blood centers in the world, dedicated to maintaining a safe and stable blood supply for those in need.
