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Zane Glauber decided to give blood after hearing his rabbi at Armonks Congregation B'nai Yisrael was going to donate.
"He told me that he was giving the gift of life," Glauber said. "I figured I should, too. It's so easy, effortless, and painless. There's no reason not to."
With help from the American Red Cross, the congregation organized its first blood drive Tuesday. The event was part of a series of community programs the temple holds throughout the year. Co-Chair of the Caring and Social Action Committee Lisa Mazure said they plan about one socially-active initiative each month.
"I'd like to think we definitely contribute to the community," said Mazure, an Armonk resident. "We like to try to aid both local and broader communities through our work."
The blood drive drew close to 25 people by the day's end. Mazure said all it took was a phone call to the American Red Cross and the aid organization helped facilitate the drive. The Red Cross even provided food and drinks for donors.
Past events the organization planned included the popular midnight run in Manhattan, where more than 100 of the city's homeless are fed warm meals. Other group events include monthly food, coat and pajama drives.
Mazure said the next task will be a school supply drive at the end of summer. Backpacks full of supplies will be given to local students to help them return to school in September.
Congregation B'nai Yisrael, a Jewish community and spiritual center in Armonk, works to create positive experiences for its neighbors.
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