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While the American Red Cross received an outpouring of support following Sandy to make up for the 400 donation centers that had to be closed in the weeks following, Red Cross communications manager Maureen Wellman said blood donations typically slow down around this time of year because of inclement weather and people being too busy with traveling and shopping to donate.
And the weather mixed with extra traffic from holiday shopping is always a worry for Greenburgh police because of the potential for car accidents, said Lt. Brian Ryan. According to the Red Cross, a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
On Thursday, Red Cross members came from Albany to the Greenburgh Public Library to work the blood drive, which was co-sponsored by the library and the Greenburgh Police Department. There is always a continual need for blood at Red Cross, Wellman added.
Jon Marshall of Greenburgh was one of the donors who attended Thursday's blood drive at the library. He said he had tried to donate earlier in the month, but his appointment in White Plains was canceled because of Sandy.
"I always try to donate when I can," Marshall said.
American Red Cross workers are encouraging Greenburgh residents to take time from their holiday business to donate. To find a donation center near you, visit the Red Cross website.
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