Community Blood Services thanks donors with gift

New Windsor — With less than a day’s supply of blood on its shelves in recent days, Community Blood Services urgently needs blood donors of all types at its New Windsor center. “There is a critical need for blood, especially during the summer months,” said Karen Ferriday, community affairs director at Community Blood Services. “Blood supplies dip during this time because there are no high school blood drives and corporate blood drives decline because employees are on vacation." In addition, donors who usually donate often don't show up at this time of year because of vacations and busy schedules. However, people who successfully donate on Aug. 23 or 24 at the New Windsor donor center will receive a free cargo tote box as a thank you. The tote box is a trunk organizer that holds groceries, sports equipment or auto supplies. It collapses for easy storage. Ferriday said at least 250 pints of blood must be collected daily to meet the needs of patients at the more than 25 hospitals supplied by the not-for-profit organization in New York and New Jersey. With less than a day’s supply available, she said all blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative and B negative. AB male plasma donors are also needed to treat trauma victims. Whole blood donors must be 17-75 years old (16 years old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. All donors will receive health screenings with their donations, including non-fasting glucose and cholesterol screenings. The New Windsor center, located at 575 Hudson Valley Ave., Suite 206, will be open Aug. 23 from 1-5 p.m. and Aug. 24 from 4-6:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call 866-228-1500 or visit www.communitybloodservices.com. Walk-ins are also welcome.