Earlier this year, the American Red Cross declared a national blood shortage emergency. The amount of blood donors in the United States has hit a twenty-year low and is impacting medical care across the country. Thankfully, donating blood can be easy and convenient. There are lots of ways to help combat this crisis in Hudson County. We’ve rounded up a list of local blood drives and locations to give blood in Hudson County. Read on to learn how to sign up to save lives today.
Ongoing | Newport Centre Mall New York Blood Center Mobile Drive | 30 Mall Drive West, Jersey City
The New York Blood Center regularly hosts blood drives at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City. Drives are typically held twice a month from 1PM-7PM in the Kohl’s parking lot. To check out the full schedule and book an appointment, click here.
Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Wednesday, March 13th | New Jersey City University | 2039 JFK Boulevard, Jersey City
The New York Blood Center will host a blood donation drive at New Jersey City University on March 13th. The mobile drive will take place from 11:30AM-5:30PM. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, click here.
Saturday, March 23rd | Catholic War Veterans Post 1612 | 18 West 23rd Street, Bayonne
On Saturday, March 23rd, the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Catholic War Veterans Post 1612 in Bayonne. The drive will run from 8AM-2PM and will collect both whole blood and power red donations. To learn more and to sign up, click here.
Wednesday, March 27th | Union City High School | 2500 JFK Boulevard, Union City
Union City High School on JFK Boulevard in Union City will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on March 27th. The drive will collect both whole blood and power red donations from 7AM-4PM. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, click here.
Thursday, April 4th | CarePoint Health-Hoboken University Medical Center | 308 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
CarePoint Health Hoboken University Medical Center, located at 308 Willow Avenue, will host a blood drive on Thursday, April 4th from 8AM-1PM. This drive is collecting donations of whole blood and power red. To learn more or to schedule a time to donate, click here.
Tuesday, April 9th | Peninsula Lodge No. 99 F. + A.M. | 888 Avenue C, Bayonne
Neighbors can head to the Peninsula Lodge No. 99 F. + A.M. on Tuesday, April 9th for an American Red Cross Blood Drive. Both whole blood and power red donations will be collected from 2PM-7PM. To learn more and to sign up, click here.
See More: Where to Donate Blood in Essex County, New Jersey
Monday, June 24th | Fox Hill Gardens | 311 13th Street, Hoboken
The American Red Cross will host a blood donation drive at Fox Hill Gardens on 13th Street in Hoboken. The drive will collect both whole blood and power red donations. The drive will run from 11AM-4PM. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, click here.
Presidents Who Have Visited Hoboken + Jersey City
While Hoboken and Jersey City are just small pieces of land when it comes to the United States' geography, we're no strangers to having presidents visit our area. In honor of President's Day, we're taking a trip down memory lane to share the various presidents who have visited Hoboken and Jersey City to show their love for our neck of the proverbial woods — and maybe eat some delicious food, too. Read on to find out more about presidents who have visited Hoboken and Jersey City.
Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, + George W. Bush in 2017 + Donald Trump (Date unknown)
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In 2017, former Presidents George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama joined forces at The President’s Cup at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City. The three former Presidents were seen embracing each other in a photo taken with JC Mayor Steven Fulop. The camaraderie shown in this picture restores our faith in politics and reminds us that at the end of the day, we are all just human. The NJ State Golf Association details that Liberty National is one of four golf clubs in the United States to host The President’s Cup, an international golf competition. President Donald Trump has also been reported to have visited a course in Jersey City on a separate occasion.
Read More: How These Three Hobokenites Made History in Honor of Black History Month
Joe Biden in 2012
After the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, former President Joe Biden visited the Mile Square to tour the Hoboken Terminal after suffering severe water damage from all of the flooding. While here, former President Biden made sure to stop by the iconic Benny Tudino’s for a slice and even sat down to talk with pizzeria owner, Bari “Benny” Drishti, for a bit — may he rest in peace.
President Biden also made it a point to swing by the now-closed Hudson Tavern to visit bar owner Tom Brennan (brother of Former President Obama’s National Security Advisor). In a YouTube video, He was spotted walking outside, interacting with Hoboken residents, and even squeezing in a few selfies at the Hoboken PATH train.
Ronald Reagan in 1984
Ronald Reagan made his debut in Hoboken at — what better than — the St. Ann's Italian Festival in 1984 as part of his campaign. As he ate with other Hoboken residents and parish members, he spoke about what led him to Hoboken (if the answer wasn't zeppoles, then he was duped).
The invitation to the festival looked so appetizing, however, that he just couldn’t turn it down. Sources say his wife even said to him at one point, “Honey, I think you ought to go to Hoboken.”
And although Sinatra already preached about his hometown to Reagan, he felt compelled to pay the Mile Square visit, especially to try one of our famous zeppoles.
Woodrow Wilson in 1919
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During World War I, Woodrow Wilson and his troops were based out of Hoboken. The Mile Square served as the main port for major shipping and passenger lines. Being a city right on the water was incredibly helpful during this time and Hoboken became a military town. According to The United States World War I Centennial Commission, former President Woodrow Wilson declared that all enemy aliens were not permitted to “live, work, or even travel within 100 yards of docks, piers, and waterfronts,” which left a thousand German families without homes. Hoboken even went through a Prohibition in order to prevent soldiers from drinking, closing 278 of 338 saloons throughout the town.
See More: Presidents Who Have Visited Essex County
Teddy Roosevelt in 1909
Teddy Roosevelt traveled a lot throughout his lifetime. A photographer captured a blurry photo in front of an Abercrombie & Fitch sign on the Hoboken waterfront before him boarding a ship departing for Africa in March 1909.
If that’s not enough history for you, do not fret. Hoboken's history can be truly appreciated by visiting the Hoboken Historical Museum at 1301 Hudson Street — as this short article is just the tip of the iceberg. Read more about the museum here.
