Blood Drives

July 11, 2008 (ELIZABETH, NJ) On Wednesday, July 9, 2008 the County of Union hosted a blood drive with the Tri-County Red Cross in support of Jarrett Alan LoAlbo-Junio.  LoAlbo-Junio is the son of Union County Corrections Officer Jason Junio and Elaina LoAlbo, and the grandson of Judi McCartney of the County of Union Finance Department.  Only three years old, he has been diagnosed with leukemia, complicated by a diagnosis of sepsis. 

The County of Union reached out to the Tri-County Red Cross to help this family and their child in need of blood for his long journey of treatment.  Sensitive to the urgency of this request, the Red Cross was able to accommodate the county's wishes and within four days, had the drive planned.

"We have 114 potential donors who have signed up for this drive," said Victor Webb, Director of Blood Services at the Tri-County Red Cross.  "Many of them are first time donors which is great to see people step out of their comfort zone to help a little boy."

Jarrett's mother, Elaina LoAlbo and grandmother, Judi McCartney were on site to personally thank the donors.

"I think it's beautiful," said LoAlbo.

A total of 82 pints were collected at the drive.

If you would like to donate blood with the Tri-County Red Cross please call or e-mail Victor Webb at 908-756-6414 to organize a drive or visit our site for more information.

All presenting donors for Saturday, July 12, 2008 will be entered into a drawing to win their choice of a camcorder, video iPod or XBox 360 Arcade System.

Red Cross Blood Director Victor Webb, Red Cross phlebotomist Malc Sutaria, Red Cross volunteer Carlos Sanchez, Volunteer Marie Louise Bourdon and Union County Freeholder Rick Proctor attend the Tri-County Red Cross blood drive at Aaron's

Today Tri-County Red Cross in partnership with Aaron's furniture store hosted a blood drive in Plainfield.  The drive was attended by Red Cross supporter, Freeholder Rick Proctor of Union County.

"My mother ran blood drives for the Red Cross in the County for many years," said Freeholder Proctor.  "I am glad I can be a part of the Tri-County Red Cross and their blood drives."

The next blood drive will be held at the Union County Administrative Building on July 9, 2008 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM in the Freeholder Meeting Room, 6th floor, Elizabeth, NJ  07207.  This blood drive will be in support of a County employee's child who has been diagnosed with leukemia,complicated by a diagnosis of sepsis.

Blood donation is safe, painless, and takes just minutes.  You must weigh at least 110 pounds, be 17 years of age, have a form of photo identification, and have eaten within four hours of donating blood.

To find a blood drive visit Please Give Blood or contact Victor Webb at (908) 756-6414 or webbv@usa.redcross.org. You can also contact Mr. Webb to organize a blood drive at your community organization, church or business.