Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick), along with Long Island Blood Services, will be hosting a free community Blood Drive on Monday, Aug. 20 at the Merrick Road Golf Clubhouse between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

There is a blood shortage at this time of year and hospitals are in dire need of additional donations. Donating just a single pint of blood, taking mere minutes of one’s time, can save up to three lives.

“Accidents happen with an increased likelihood during the summer months,” McDonough said. “You never know who may need a life-saving procedure that hinges on the blood we collect and donate to local hospitals and blood banks – it could be your brother, sister, neighbor or friend. It cannot be stressed enough how important these types of drives are to our community and our families. I urge everyone to consider making an appointment and volunteer to donate on Aug. 20 to help save as many lives as we can.”

McDonough has held an annual blood drive for many years and reminds those who want to volunteer to bring a valid ID and remember their Social Security number. Along with being over 110 lbs., donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), eat well, drink water prior to the appointment and not have received a tattoo within the past 12 months (unless applied in New Jersey).