Giving the gift of Life

submitted by Rusty Myers, Adjutant, Sons of the American Legion Squadron 105

(22 FEB 2024) – BELLEVILLE, NJ – A blood drive - the third since July - was hosted at Belleville American Legion Post 105 by their Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron in coordination with the New York Blood Center (NYBC)

In a letter written by the NYBC to Squadron 105, they said that at the first two blood drives held on 29 June and 09 October “…we collected a total of 67 units of blood which may help save the lives of 201 patients!”

A third blood drive was held most recently on Thursday 22 February, where an additional 32 units of blood were collected.

In their letter, they continued by saying that “By sponsoring a blood drive you have made an important contribution to maintain a stable blood supply. A blood drive is a life-saving event, providing a unique opportunity for people to come together and do a good deed. By creating not only a space for the blood drive but actively supporting the cause, you have helped not just those in need of blood now but the community as well.”

The coordinator from the Sons is Blood Drive Chairman Steve Donald, who became a member about a year ago.

Blood drives are an important way the American Legion fulfils its commitment to one of its four core pillars – National Security – which stands among their other “Four Pillars” of Americanism, Children and Youth, and Veterans Affairs. Community Service is a critical element of building a strong national security, and the American Legion’s blood donor initiatives reach all the way back to the days after the attack on Pearl Harbor when World War I veteran members of “The Legion” organized blood drives to support elements of a much needed civil defense program.

The organization had even passed a resolution in May 1967 designating the week of December 7^th each year as “National American Legion Blood Donor Week,” in remembrance of the attack that sent the nation into World War II and gave birth to the program.

Be on the lookout for future blood drives at the Post through public announcements or posts on the Squadrons Facebook page at @SAL105NJ.