Community Corner
Stoneham Strong Blood Drive a Success
Find out how many people donated blood at the drive on Tuesday in Stoneham.
By Mark Ouellette
The Stoneham Strong Community Blood Drive Tuesday at the Boys & Girls Club proved to be a success, as hundreds of donors turned up for the event.
"We had 100 donors through the door and 75 lifesaving units collected," said Jecoliah Ellis, a spokeswoman with the American Red Cross, in an email to Patch Tuesday night following the blood drive.
The town of Stoneham, Sen. Katherine Clark and State Rep. Jason Lewis's offices and the Red Cross teamed up to organize the event, according to Mark McKinnon, community affairs director for Clark's office. Both Clark and Lewis represent Winchester.
Tuesday's blood drive was the first one held at the club facility, according to Thomas Bilodeau, development associate for the Boys & Girls Club. He added that the club may hold future blood drives at the building located at 15 Dale Court.
"We're very happy to be a part of the Stoneham Strong blood drive here at the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham," said Gerard DeViller, executive director for the club, adding that they were pleased to be able to provide a place for the blood drive to be held.
Among those seen donating blood were Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and Stoneham Board of Selectman John De Pinto.
"As a representative of the State House as the chairman of the public health, I started a blood drive in the State House," Koutoujian said, donning a blue Stoneham Strong shirt given to him by volunteers from the Kohl's Cares volunteers helping out at the blood drive. Koutoujian added that since then he has been on the Red Cross's donor list and knowing that he would be in the Stoneham area on Tuesday, he decided to stop by and donate blood.
At the blood drive, Red Cross spokeswoman Donna M. Morrissey discussed the organization's involvement following the marathon blasts.
"After the bombings, the Red Cross sent 600 units of life-saving blood to area hospitals," Morrissey said. "Stoneham stands strong today. They are helping to replenish the blood supply and we just can't thank them enough for their generosity."
JP and Paul Norden, a pair of Stoneham brothers who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, also made a brief appearance at the blood drive.
"I want to thank each and every person who took the time to give blood today, the American Red Cross, the Stoneham Boys & Girls Club, and all the volunteers who made it happen," wrote Sen. Katherine Clark in a message left on the Stoneham Patch website. "As always, I am proud of the community of Stoneham, coming together to make a difference, and I am so grateful to Paul and JP Norden and Jacqui Webb for their participation and for their strength and courage that inspires us all every day."
A NEMLEC S.W.A.T. and State Police vehicles, as well as an Action EMS ambulance were stationed outside the blood drive.
The Stoneham Strong Community Blood Drive Tuesday at the Boys & Girls Club proved to be a success, as hundreds of donors turned up for the event.
"We had 100 donors through the door and 75 lifesaving units collected," said Jecoliah Ellis, a spokeswoman with the American Red Cross, in an email to Patch Tuesday night following the blood drive.
The town of Stoneham, Sen. Katherine Clark and State Rep. Jason Lewis's offices and the Red Cross teamed up to organize the event, according to Mark McKinnon, community affairs director for Clark's office. Both Clark and Lewis represent Winchester.
Tuesday's blood drive was the first one held at the club facility, according to Thomas Bilodeau, development associate for the Boys & Girls Club. He added that the club may hold future blood drives at the building located at 15 Dale Court.
"We're very happy to be a part of the Stoneham Strong blood drive here at the Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham," said Gerard DeViller, executive director for the club, adding that they were pleased to be able to provide a place for the blood drive to be held.
Among those seen donating blood were Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and Stoneham Board of Selectman John De Pinto.
"As a representative of the State House as the chairman of the public health, I started a blood drive in the State House," Koutoujian said, donning a blue Stoneham Strong shirt given to him by volunteers from the Kohl's Cares volunteers helping out at the blood drive. Koutoujian added that since then he has been on the Red Cross's donor list and knowing that he would be in the Stoneham area on Tuesday, he decided to stop by and donate blood.
At the blood drive, Red Cross spokeswoman Donna M. Morrissey discussed the organization's involvement following the marathon blasts.
"After the bombings, the Red Cross sent 600 units of life-saving blood to area hospitals," Morrissey said. "Stoneham stands strong today. They are helping to replenish the blood supply and we just can't thank them enough for their generosity."
JP and Paul Norden, a pair of Stoneham brothers who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, also made a brief appearance at the blood drive.
"I want to thank each and every person who took the time to give blood today, the American Red Cross, the Stoneham Boys & Girls Club, and all the volunteers who made it happen," wrote Sen. Katherine Clark in a message left on the Stoneham Patch website. "As always, I am proud of the community of Stoneham, coming together to make a difference, and I am so grateful to Paul and JP Norden and Jacqui Webb for their participation and for their strength and courage that inspires us all every day."
A NEMLEC S.W.A.T. and State Police vehicles, as well as an Action EMS ambulance were stationed outside the blood drive.
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