Give Blood At Jefferson Valley Mall's Holiday-Themed Drives

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY — The New York Blood Center and the Jefferson Valley Mall will be hosting blood drives throughout February and March that will be holiday-themed.

The blood drives will celebrate Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day, according to a news release.

The Jefferson Valley Mall has been sponsoring monthly blood drives since the second half of 2021 and has contributed 40 to 50 blood donations per month.

Ninety units of blood were donated in December and 104 in January, with a total of 56 units donated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day alone. One unit of blood has the ability to save up to three lives, according to health officials.

The New York Blood Center declared a blood emergency at the beginning of December because the region's blood supply was critically low. The shortage has continued into 2022, as winter weather and surging omicron cases led to low donor turnout and cancellations of blood drivers.

Andrea Cefarelli, senior executive director at the center, said they were grateful to the Jefferson Valley Mall and its efforts to help replenish the blood drive while spreading holiday cheer.

"As our region continues to experience chronic shortages, we encourage all who are able to celebrate the holidays by donating blood and saving lives," she said.

The Jefferson Valley Mall is located at 650 Lee Blvd. in Yorktown Heights.

Here are the dates and times for the blood drives:

• Valentine’s Day: Monday, Feb. 14, noon to 6 p.m.
• Presidents Day: Monday, Feb. 21, noon to 6 p.m.
• Mardi Gras: Tuesday, March 1, noon to 6 p.m.
• St. Patrick’s Day: Thursday, March 17, noon to 6 p.m.

To make an appointment at one of these blood drives, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Donating blood is safe and only takes one hour, officials said.