Community Lines Up to Donate Blood in Crucial Time

In the wake of Hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Irene, several Long Island blood drives were canceled, leading to an in the area.

All drives were canceled this past Sunday, and some Monday, due to power outages across Long Island. Usually, in times of a shortage, the New York Blood Center said they can rely on local police departments to sponsor drives, but due to the extenuating circumstances of this past weekend's storm, many have been unable to contribute.

New York Blood Center held a blood drive Wednesday afternoon at the , where local residents came out in large numbers, some for their first time, to donate.

East Meadow resident Michelle Marckesano served as a first-time donor at the library drive.

"I was here and I just saw the sign," Marckesano explained. "I always wanted to donate but never have before and I heard a little bit about the shortage so I figured, 'Why not?'

"I have daughters, and if they needed blood, I would hope that it would be there for them," she added. "I wanted to help someone who needs it today."

Rick Nocella of East Meadow is a frequent donor and felt it was especially necessary to give blood this week.

"I saw in the paper that they need the blood," Nocella said. "I donate regularly. There's a lot of people who need it, and now with a shortage, there's always someone in a car accident or emergency surgery, so I made sure to donate."

Andrea Geraci is also a regular donor, and under special conditions, finds it important to contribute to drives as much as possible.

"My blood type is O-negative," said the East Meadow woman. "It's difficult to donate as it is, and to have blood that's universal is really good."

New York Blood Center hosts several blood collection drives every day. A list of upcoming dates can be found here.