Band Parents Want Your Blood ... in a Good Way

The Band Parents Organization will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the on Saturday.

Here are 5 Things You Need to Know about the effort.

1. You Need to Know the Band Needs You: President Tom Dougherty said the organizationneeds to collect 30 pints of blood to receive a minimum donation of $300 from The Blood Center of New Jersey. Any less than 30 pints, Dougherty said, and no donation. Call Lisa Willis at (201) 317 3287 to schedule a time. No walk-ins.
2. You Need to Know How Much Blood You Can Donate: How about a pint?
3. You Need to Know What the President Has to Say About the Donation: Dougherty said all money will go "directly to the costs for the operation of the band. Mind you not the operation of our organization, but the operation of the marching band itself."
4. You Need to Know More of What He Has to Say: He said the idea of giving blood to those in need and supporting Hopatcong's marching band are "what I consider to be two worthy causes."
5. You Need to Know Why the Band's Fundraising: Because it just finished its first year . Last spring, it was cut from the school budget. And since this year's on Wednesday, it doesn't seem like the Board of Education will fund the marching band soon.