Village Hosts Blood Drive

The village held its annual blood drive at the recreation center on Monday, and more than 30 residents and good samaritans sacrificed their time — and a piece of themselves — for a good cause.

Tom Coleen, a 73-year-old volunteer fireman for the village, helped run the event. Though he couldn't give blood this year, he said he's donated in the past and knows how important it is to do so. "You might need [blood] one day," he said. "There might come a time when it saves your life."

He noted that 45 donors is usually the annual goal, but any donations is considered a success.

Elizabeth Taghe, 22, of Rockville Centre, said she started giving blood when she attended South Side High School, but often was turned away because she's anemic. This year was different. 

"I was successful," she said of being able to give blood. "There are a lot of people who need it, and if you're healthy, why not give?

Longtime Rockville Centre resident, Mattie Flowers, agreed with Taghe. "It's so important to give blood because there are people out there with conditions that need it to survive," Flowers said. "You're saving more than one life."

Maura Buckley, a resident who works at the recreation center, said that she gave blood during the drive because she doesn't know if she'll need someone to return the favor. "If I need it one day, I hope someone gives," she said. "It's all about karma."

The next blood drive will be held on Jan. 11.