Need for blood donors doesn't cease in summer

The temperature is rising, but the area blood supply is falling.

College and high school donors, who make up nearly 20 percent of the population that donates blood, are now on break, according to New Jersey Blood Services.

The need for blood, though, never stops. Cancer patients, transplant recipients and accident victims are not on vacation from treatment.

The next local blood drive is scheduled from 3 to 8:30 p.m. July 10 at Most Holy Redeemer Church, located at 133 Amboy Road in Matawan, according to New Jersey Blood Services.

New Jersey Blood Services is also offering a college scholarship program for students ages 17-21 who organize a blood drive in their community. Blood drive sponsors and donors are urgently needed at the moment and all through the summer, according to New Jersey Blood Services.

Students interested in sponsoring a blood drive for scholarship opportunities can call (732) 220-7044 or e-mail knolan@nybloodcenter.org.

To find other convenient donation locations, call 1-800-933-BLOOD or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.