By MacKenzie O’Gorman 

April 15, 2026: On Tuesday, April 21st, the Bronxville Teachers Association will be hosting a community-wide blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center, Bronxville High School Arts Club, Bronxville High School Social Issue Awareness Club, and New York Presbyterian.

Where and What Time

The event will take place from 11am to 5pm in the Blue Gym of the Bronxville School.  The entrance is near Meadow Avenue. 

Did You Know?

Donating blood is essential to the welfare of our community. On average our area requires 2,000+ daily donations for cancer patients, trauma victims and surgeries. 

Once a person donates blood, the New York Blood Center separates the blood into its four components: red blood cells, plasma, plastids and white blood cells.

Since white blood cells are unique to each person's immune system, they aren't typically shared through transfusions. 

The other three parts can be transferred to up to three different people.

Therefore, by donating just a pint of blood, you can make a lifesaving impact on multiple lives.

The blood collected from this drive will be going back into our local community and will likely be used within a week. 

A Personal Inspiring Story from a Bronxville Teacher

For many of the people involved, this cause is deeply personal.  Our very own Middle School Science teacher, Mr. Viggiani, a cancer survivor, shared his very personal experience with the critical importance of blood donations. 

“I am a leukemia survivor. I was a firsthand witness to how important blood donations and blood drives are. When I was at home receiving more chemotherapy, blood counts and transfusions would be a daily routine at MSKCC [Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center] in Harrison and NYC. It’s so inspiring that the Bronxville Teachers’ Association and the Bronxville High School students are holding this important blood drive right here at our school. I am so grateful for every teacher, administrator, high school student, staff member, and community member that comes out and donates blood on Tuesday, April 21st. It means so much to me since, as a leukemia survivor, I am not allowed to donate myself.” 

Mr. Viggiani's story is a reminder to all of us - behind every donation is a life touched, a family supported and a future made possible through the generosity of others.

What to Expect and How to Prepare

The process is simple. The blood drive is in the Bronxville School Blue Gym. If you choose to donate, you will be checked in, brought to a separate area where your blood will be collected by a medical professional, and then brought to a snack area where you will rest and be monitored for a few minutes to ensure you are feeling alright.

Additionally, NY Presbyterian will be on-site distributing information on prevalent health issues throughout the event.

It is important to be as prepared as possible if you are planning to donate blood. To do that, we recommend that you eat a healthy meal and stay hydrated before you come to your appointment. It is also recommended to avoid tea or coffee, right before you donate.

Comment from Marijke Briggs, Bronxville Teacher Association Vice President and Bronxville High School Art Teacher: 

"As we all have personal stories or reasons for donating, it is important for students to have this initial opportunity in a supported, safe environment. By engaging in community service now, they are not only saving lives today but also developing a lifelong habit. My own journey began with my first donation during my senior year in my high school gym.  I donated regularly after that when I was able. Bronxville School used to host drives until the early 2000s. I felt it was important to bring it back and give students the opportunity to be involved as well."

How to Make An Appointment

In order to be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 16 years of age.

If you are a Bronxville School Student, you must bring a completed and signed parent consent form with you on the 21st.

Links to both the appointment form and consent form are below.

We ask that anyone planning on donating make an appointment so that the event runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible! Thank you!

CLICK HERE to make an appointment  

CLICK HERE if you are a student for the Consent form  

More Than Just An Event

This is more than just an event - it's a collective effort that brings together students, educators, healthcare leaders, and local residents around a very important shared mission: saving lives.  We hope that you take this opportunity to give back to our community in a meaningful way.