Douglaston Wildlife Center's Blood Drive To Honor Employee's Late Relative

DOUGLASTON, QUEENS — Alley Pond Environmental Center is hosting a summer blood drive on Aug. 23 from 2 to 8 p.m. in memory of Eric Zirkel, the nephew of Karen Pierro, an educator at the center and coordinator for the center’s blood drives.

Zirkel passed away “very suddenly” in 2013, according to a Facebook post from the center. He had been the recipient of various blood transfusions, and the subsequent summer blood drives emerged in his honor.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age, with 16-year-old donors requiring a parental consent form. Donors older than 76 must present a letter of consent from their physician.

The donor must weigh at least 110 pounds and should not have donated blood within 56 days from the day of the blood drive. All donors must bring a photo ID.

Those who have received a tattoo or an ear, nose or other skin piercing within 12 months leading up to the blood drive will not be accepted.

The center encourages all donors to eat a full meal and drink plenty of fluids before arriving to their appointment. Appointments can be made by calling Karen Pierro via (718) 229-4000, ext. 210.

Walk-ins are accepted, but those without an appointment might encounter a wait time, Pierro said. If a donor isn’t feeling well on the day of the appointment, he or she can reschedule.

The procedure will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

All blood donations will be sent to Long Island Blood Services, an extension of NY Blood Center.

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