News Archives
February 1, 2010
Middlesex CLC and IBEW 456 Turn-Out Impressive Numbers for the Union Blood Drive
In December 2009, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO teamed up with Middlesex County Central Labor Council and IBEW Local 456 to organize a union blood drive. The aim of the blood drive was to raise awareness of the critical and severe shortage of blood in New Jersey’s blood banks. The blood drive was held this past Friday on January 28, 2010, at IBEW Local 456. In the words of the New Jersey Blood Center that staffed the blood drive, “the number of folks who turned out was amazing.” The Blood Center estimated approximately 25-30 blood donors for the day, however, at the urging of Carmine Ragucci from Local 456 who has been organizing blood drives for the local for 20 plus years, they expanded the capacity for blood donors to 6 beds and 6-8 blood center staff. True to form, the local and Middlesex CLC turned out over 50 blood donors, some of whom were turned away for medical or other reasons. In total, 50 union members, AFL-CIO staff and other affiliated unions from the Central Jersey area donated one or more pints of blood. Among those who gave blood were Middlesex CLC President Tom Tighe and President of IBEW 456 Mike McLaughlin.
In applauding the hard work and strong turnout for the blood drive, President Charles Wowkanech noted that the heart and soul of New Jersey and what makes our state are the working men and women who show up every time there’s a need for volunteers for blood drives, emergency aid or community work. “I would like to thank Assemblyman Joe Egan and the staff and union members of IBEW Local 456 who worked hard to make this event a success.”
We urge you to share your stories of successful blood drives at your union hall. If you haven’t held a blood drive at your union hall in the past three months, call your local blood center or contact Komilla John at (609) 989-8730 for information and help in organizing one. You can also find more information about the New Jersey Save 3 Lives campaign at www.njsave3lives.com.
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