Opening day begins with blood drive
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer

ALLENTOWN - The Allentown/ Upper Freehold Little League will host its fifth annual blood drive on opening day this Saturday.

"Go to Bat to Save Lives" will take place 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the media center of the Upper Freehold Regional Elementary/ Middle School, located at 27 High Street in Allentown.

"Our league wants everyone to know that over 500 lives have been saved due to the generous donations over the past five years," David S. Reeder Jr., president of the Allentown/Upper Freehold Little League, said.

Reeder said the league's goal is to raise 50 pints of blood of this year.

"Remember, three lives are saved with one donated pint of blood," Reeder said.

The Community Blood Council of New Jersey, of Ewing, will run the drive in which all procedures are carried out in a safe, clean and professional manner, according to Reeder.

"Everyone is invited to come out and support the community and help save lives," Reeder said.

Those interested in donating blood should be in good health, 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and should not be at risk for HIV and/or hepatitis, according to the Community Blood Council of New Jersey.

Participants in the blood drive will have to complete a medical history form and present a signature I.D. (driver's license, credit card, school I.D., etc.) before donating, according to the Community Blood Council of New Jersey.

The Little League will also host a Pitch, Hit and Run Contest for kids from 8:15 a.m. to noon on the fields near the elementary/ middle school before its annual opening day ceremonies, which start at 12:30 p.m.

For more information about donating blood go to www.GiveBloodNJ.org.