In light of something stupid and senseless like the Boston Marathon bombing, a common reaction is wanting to do something, anything to help. Unlike Sandy though, this won’t be fixed by a supply drive or a huge mass of volunteers. But it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. Over the next few days, the New York Blood Center is running a number of drives around Brooklyn.
4/17
Long Island University, 10am – 4pm, One University Plaza, Downtown
4/18
Yeshiva of Flatbush, 10am – 8:30pm, 1609 Avenue J, Flatbush
4/19
Midwood High School, 8:30am – 2:30pm, 2839 Bedford Avenue, Midwood
Breuklen Community Center, 6am – 10am, 715 East 105th Street, Canarsie
4/20
John Malone Community Center, 10am – 4pm, 2335 Bergen Avenue, Bergen Beach
Salty Dog, 12pm – 6pm, 7509 3rd Avenue, Bay Ridge
4/21
Our Lady of Grace Church, 9am – 3pm, 385 Avenue W, Gravesend
If you can’t make it out to one of these drives, don’t worry: the Red Cross put out a statement saying that they have enough blood at the moment to help the wounded. But, that will deplete the supply, so they’ve asked people who would like to donate to do so in the coming weeks or months. You can make an appointment now here, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. And then maybe set an alert on your Google calendar or your phone or just write it down on a piece of paper so that you don’t forget.