Give blood in the Village of Florida on Monday, Oct. 24, in exchange for a cozy sweatshirt

Florida — To celebrate autumn’s arrival, blood donors will receive a free Community Blood Services black sweatshirt when they give blood on Monday, Oct. 24, at the Florida Fire Department blood drive. “Blood donors are our everyday heroes, saving lives in our community all year long,” said Karen Ferriday, director of community affairs at Community Blood Services. “Recognizing them with a comfy sweatshirt as temperatures begin to drop is our way of saying thank you.” One donation can save up to three lives. In recent weeks, there has been less than a two-day supply of blood on the shelves. All types are needed - especially O negative, O positive and B negative - to meet the needs of patients at area hospitals. Platelets are also needed to treat patients diagnosed with cancer or other blood disorders. Donors can donate blood or platelets at the Florida Fire Department, 19 South Main St., on Monday, Oct. 24, from 1-7 p.m. They can also donate at the Community Blood Services center in New Windsor, 575 Hudson Valley Ave., Suite 206, on Oct. 25 from 1-5 p.m. or Oct. 26 from 4-6:30 p.m. Whole blood donors must be 17-75 years old (16 years old with parental permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors receive complimentary non-fasting cholesterol and glucose health screenings. To make an appointment, visit www.communitybloodservices.org or call 1-866-228-1500. Community Blood Services provides blood and blood products to 25 hospitals in New York and New Jersey and is the sole supplier for Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown and St. Luke’s Cornwall in Newburgh.