Appeal for Volunteers Amidst Blood Shortage in New Jersey
New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is in urgent need of volunteers to aid in blood donation activities as an unprecedented blood shortage crisis grips the American Red Cross. The situation is grim with donor numbers hitting a 20-year low. The outreach for volunteers, who need no prior medical experience, is part of a wider call for blood and platelet donations. Those interested are urged to get in touch with Sharon Zetts, NJBS Volunteer Services Manager, for further details exclusive to our sources.
Critical Need for Blood Donors
The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm for an immediate need for donors, especially those with Type O blood and platelets. The upcoming blood donation session is set for Wednesday, February 14, from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion Building in Luray. Additional sessions will be organized in different areas such as East Windsor, Princeton, and Titusville.
Local News and Services
In other news, Mercer County’s Nutrition Program for Older Adults is re-launching in-person lunches at nine separate locations. Bookings are mandatory, and a minimal donation of $1 per meal is recommended. Those who are 60 years or older, their spouses, county residents with disabilities, volunteers, and personal care aides of participants are eligible for the program. Furthermore, branches of the Mercer County Library System are offering complimentary rapid COVID-19 test kits, limited to three per resident.
Job Vacancies and Events
Employment opportunities are open at the Mercer County Correctional Police and the Bordentown Township Police Department. The latter is also promoting a ‘Straight to Treatment’ program for support with substance use disorders. Community workshops and events are being hosted by the Bordentown and Cranbury Public Libraries, featuring classes on cell phone usage and internet for seniors, art exhibits, and historical talks. Applications for the 2024 season at the Ellen Wehrman Memorial Community Garden in Bordentown are now open. The Hightstown High School’s Class of 1984 is also making plans for its 40th reunion, and Hillsborough inhabitants are being called to submit picturesque photos for the annual township calendar. Sourland Conservancy, in a bid to support the local ecology, encourages the cultivation of local plant species, and Howell Living History Farm is planning community events.
