| Spring
was in the air and so was the spirit of giving.
On Saturday, February 23rd, people of all ages lined
up at the Ridgewood Roller Rink to donate blood
at a drive sponsored by The Ridgewood Roller Hockey
Association (RRHA). |
| Sixty-four
people registered to donate at the drive, conducted
by Community Blood Services of Paramus, and 46 units
of blood were collected. |
| "It
was great to see members of the community step up
and donate blood," said Jeffrey Ball, co-president
of the association. "A number of people I spoke
to were first-time donors and were nervous going
in, but everyone afterwards said how simple it really
was and that they would do it again." |
| One
of the first time donors was 17-year-old Joe Torre,
who plays for the RRHA's senior team. "It feels
good knowing I can help someone," he said after
donating. " One of my friends was diagnosed with
cancer, so I know how important donating blood is." |
| "It
didn't surprise me when Joe showed up to donate,"
said Mr. Ball. "He is an exceptional young man who
is great with the younger kids in town and is always
volunteering to help." |
| Not
all the donors were from Ridgewood. Chris Cheevers
of River Edge, who was at the rink to watch his
niece and nephews play hockey, also lined up to
donate. |
| "It's
great to see organizations working together to help
people," said Mr. Cheevers. "It shows what this
country is all about." |
| Jonathan
Ball of Hawthorne also stopped by during his lunch
hour from work to donate. |
| "Giving
blood is such a simple thing to do and means so
much to people," he said. "You don't realize how
important donating is until you, a family member
or a friend needs it." |
| "I
thought it was heartwarming to see so many young
people become aware of the importance of donating
blood," said Richard Smith, a recruiter for Community
Blood Services who helped set up the drive. "Their
parents and other donors are setting an excellent
example for these youngsters." |
| Michael
Rumpolo, who plays for the Ridgewood Dragons, won
a hockey stick raffled at the end of the drive.
The hockey stick, donated by the New Jersey Devils,
was autographed by player Scott Gomez. After realizing
he won the raffle, Michael thanked his dad several
times for donating blood. |
| RHA
members who recruited donors were eligible to participate
in the free raffle. For information on sponsoring
a blood drive, please call Community Blood Services
at 201-444-3900. |
