Bikur Cholim, a nonprofit Lakewood medical assistance organization, is sponsoring a blood drive today, July 2nd.

The blood drive is for the Central Jersey Blood Center, which is the blood bank that supplies blood to all the Lakewood area hospitals.

Appointments are optional but appreciated. Donors should allot ½ -3/4 hour from the time they arrive to donate until they leave. To schedule an appointment, click here or call 888-71-BLOOD (888-712-5663).‎

Donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old or be 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 120 pounds, and present a signature ID. Remember to eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood.

According to one of the coordinators of this drive, 0ver 100 people donated blood during two previous blood drives this year, which means more than 300 lives were saved.

“Even if you are not involved in saving lives day-to-day, this is a simple way to help save another person’s life,” said Bikur Cholim. “Donating blood is such an easy experience. You sit in a chair and a few minutes later you walk out, knowing you have saved three lives.”

The event will take place at their headquarters, 93 Prospect Street, Lakewood, from 10:00am to 3:00 p.m.