Thursday's Blood Drive to Honor Joseph Acocella Jr.

The widespread reach of Joseph Acocella's influence on the Harrison community will continue today with the first of five blood and organ drives scheduled for this month.

Today's blood drive is scheduled for 1 - 6 p.m. in the West Harrison Annex Building (Mintzer Center).

Blood and organ drives were held in Harrison frequently before Acocella's death last summer, and continue to be events well supported in the community. Acocella's lifelong battle with the spinal condition Lumbar Sacral Agenesis, as well as kidney and heart problems, helped raise awareness for the benefits of giving blood and becoming and organ donor during his lifetime.

April's blood and organ drives will support the American Red Cross. A dinner-dance is also scheduled later this month in White Plains with all proceeds supporting the  Fund, which raises money for charities like Donate Life, Autism School for Special Children and non-kill animal shelters, all of which Acocella advocated for during his lifetime. 

Blood and organ drives will be held in April at the following times:

• April 4 from 1 - 6 p.m. at the West Harrison Annex Building.
• April 6 from 1 - 6 p.m. at the West Harrison Annex Building.
• April 13 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the White Plains Red Cross.
• April 18 from 1 - 6 p.m. at the .
• April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Mamaroneck.