Donate blood for Mets tickets and prizes

Goshen — Anyone who successfully donates whole blood or platelets at Community Blood Services’ Goshen or Warwick donor centers during the “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” promotion from Monday, Aug. 20 through Wednesday, Aug. 22 will receive a pair of tickets to a New York Mets baseball game. In addition to the tickets, donors will be eligible to win an autographed copy of Hall of Famer Dave Winfield’s book “Dropping the Ball” or one of two baseballs, autographed by New York Yankees Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon. “We appreciate the support of our blood donors who donate and give the gift of life,” says Patricia Cascino, manager of donor recruitment. “Giving them Mets’ tickets so they can enjoy a game is our way of saying thank you.” Whole blood donors must be 17 to 75 years old (16 years old with parental permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors also receive a complimentary cholesterol screening. Donors in New York State can donate at the Goshen center, 7 Coates Drive, Suite 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday or from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Donors may also stop by the Warwick center, located at 20 Grand St. by the Mount Alverno center at St. Anthony Community Hospital, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. Community Blood Services is a not-for-profit organization that provides blood and blood products to 38 hospitals in New Jersey and New York. Call 294-3362 to make an appointment Walk-ins are welcomed. An appointment is needed to donate platelets at the Goshen center; call 201-251-3733.