Blood lines: Donors wait two hours to contribute blood

More than 70 people lined up outside the front doors of the Malverne firehouse to donate blood July 20. The number would have been higher, according to blood drive coordinate Billy Howe, except that some people decided not to wait up to two hours in line  for their turn.

In the past it has been challenging for the Malverne Fire Department to get people out for its blood drives, Howe said, so this was a welcome surprise.

Some people may have had extra incentive to donate this year, since the department offered two free Mets tickets to every donor. But fewer than 50 people turned out the last time the department offered the incentive.        

Although he’s not sure why more people came out this year, Howe said he is grateful and hopes to see the trend continue.