HoehmTown Happenings

Give Blood This Summer, Help Save Lives 

There’s a well-known quote, often apparently mistakenly attributed to Winston Churchill, which states “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Regardless of the quote’s actual source, the sentiment behind it rings true from me in more ways than one. Giving back to others is one of the most fulfilling parts of life; our character as human beings might be best defined by what we give of ourselves. And through our giving, we impact the lives of others. Sometimes, the impact of giving  is small, such as brightening someone’s day by making them smile. But sometimes, even a small act of giving can make a tremendous difference in the life of the recipient, and there is perhaps no better example of this than the small and selfless act of donating blood. 

There is no doubt that blood donations save lives. In fact, it is estimated that 4.5 million lives are saved each year through this simple act of giving and I am delighted to announce that the Town of Clarkstown will once again participate in  New York State Senator Bill Weber’s “Five Towns of Rockland Red Cross Blood Drive Challenge.”  Blood donations from this drive will go to the American Red Cross, a highly esteemed global organization known for its efforts and pivotal role in disaster relief. Their blood donation program stands as a cornerstone in guaranteeing that millions of patients nationwide receive critical, life-saving blood transfusions.

The “Five Towns Challenge” is a friendly competition to see which town generates the highest amount of blood donors. This year’s drive is scheduled for Friday, August 1st, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Clarkstown Town Hall, Room 301. The goal is  to bolster our region’s blood supply during what is often a period of critical shortage in blood supply during the summer months. I’m proud to say that Clarkstown won this contest last year- so please donate and help us hold on to the championship title again in 2025!

Donors can sign up in advance at https://www.redcrossblood.org/. Walk-ins are also welcome for this event. 

Each donation made has the potential to save multiple lives through the separation of blood components. Hospitals constantly require donations to assist trauma victims, cancer patients, newborns, and those undergoing surgeries or treatments. Your contribution, regardless of blood type, makes a significant difference in meeting these critical needs.

I encourage you to mark your calendars and join us in donating. It’s a simple yet incredibly   impactful way to give back to our community and support those in need. Your generosity will undoubtedly make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.