The Men’s Club at St. Columba parish, Marine Park, hosts four different blood drives each year as the number of donors continues to rise. Last year, there were 295 donations, compared to 116 the year before.

Father Timothy Lambert, pastor, blessed all of the donors at the most recent blood drive last Sunday, March 19.

“This event started long before I came here but its great to be a part of it,” said Father Lambert. “As we move from the altar after receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we then all have the feeling of responsibility that we all have to give. It shows the willingness of the parish people to give and donate as they all want to help.”

After donating, people are offered a full complementary breakfast with vast options to choose from, all cooked by Deacon Larry Coyle and his wife, Eileen.

Paul DePaolo and his wife, Carolyn, have been volunteering for years and Paul is a coordinator for the event through the Men’s Club.

“I believe St. Columba is the only one that I know of that does a breakfast like this but we see it as the people are giving and this is a small way for us to give back to them,” he said. “In the last few years, we have grown a great amount and we want to keep growing. This event is able to help so many people and so many lives that need it. It is a small sacrifice we make to donate but then it goes and does so much good for people.”

Paul, also an avid donor, recently received his “gallon card” for all of his donations.