Each individual donation of blood saves an average of three lives. If that’s the case, the Diocese of Brooklyn saved 21,000 lives in 2013.
The New York Blood Center (NYBC) recognized the achievements of the nearly 100 diocesan organizations that participated in blood drives in 2013. In total, the diocese accounted for 7,000 individual donations – almost 1,000 more than last year.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio was joined by representatives of NYBC, including mascot “Buddy the Blood Drop,” for the Blood Donor Campaign Recognition Ceremony, held March 6 at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston, to thank parish coordinators and recruiters.
“This is really the gift of life that’s been given by people giving of themselves – of their own blood – so that they can help other people who they do not even know,” said Bishop DiMarzio, who serves as the religious chair for NYBC.
NYBC ranked the diocesan parishes based on the most total donations, the largest increase in donations from 2012, the highest average donations per blood drive and the most donations during the critical months of January, July, August and December.
The honorees are:
• For the second straight year, St. Columba, Marine Park, had the most blood donations in Brooklyn with 206. Our Lady Help of Christians, Midwood, which has participated in blood drives for 42 of the NYBC’s 50-year existence, was second with 103 donations. Our Lady of Grace, Gravesend, finished third with 100 donations.
• In Queens, Our Lady of Sorrows, Corona, tallied the most overall donations with 221 and also won first place for the largest increase from 2012 with 149 more donations in 2013. The parish also had the highest average donations per blood drive with 111.
• St. Rita, Long Island City, was second in Queens with 205 donations and first in donations during critical months with 91. St. Leo, Corona, was third in the borough with 173 donations.
• Also recognized were the top high school contributors, with Christ the King, Middle Village, taking first honors in Queens with 287 donations and Bishop Loughlin, Fort Greene, first in Brooklyn with 147.
• St. Athanasius Elementary School, Bensonhurst, received the award for “Best Little Doctors Program,” which gives schoolchildren the opportunity to learn about and organize community blood drives. In 2013, the school registered 74 donors and collected 68 donations.
• Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens was given special mention for its 165 blood donations.
To discuss the importance of giving blood, Michael DeVito, a parishioner at Our Lady Help of Christians, shared his story of surviving bladder cancer and his need for blood at a critical time. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the parish honorees.
“You are lifesavers,” he said.
NYBC serves 20 million people in the greater N.Y.C. area. For more information, visit www.nybloodcenter.org.
