Hugs for Sarah Memorial Blood Drive in Hicksville

The ninth annual Hugs for Sarah Memorial Blood Drive in Hicksville will be held on Saturday, March 25.

The blood drive is in honor of Sarah Weippert, a 12-year-old girl who died from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in November 2002 after a nine-month battle. Like Sarah, many children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer require numerous blood transfusions.

The blood drive will be held at the William P. Bennett Community Center, located 28 W. Carl St., from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Donors must be 17 to 75 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health Those who are 16 years old may donate with parental consent and those 76 and older need a doctor’s note.

The Sarah Grace Foundation For Children With Cancer, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Sarah’s parents, Matthew and Marissa Weipper. The foundation has partnered with Long Island Blood Services for this annual blood drive.

“We hope community members will continue their generous support and join us in honoring Sarah’s life and memory by giving blood to help save the lives of others,” Matthew Weippert, president of the foundation, said in a press release.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Matthew Weippert at (516) 433-9745 or email Matt.Weippert@TheSarahGraceFoundation.org.

Courtesy photos from last year’s blood drive