Dear Editor: The Blood Center of New Jersey is appealing to community members to donate a pint of blood for someone in need this season. “As Memorial Day approaches, community blood centers need to increase the amount of blood available for hospital patient emergencies over that holiday weekend,” said Judy Daniels, BCNJ spokesperson. Blood center officials note that blood donations fall dramatically not only during the holiday weekend but during the days preceding and following it. Donors must be 18 years of age. Seventeen year olds may donate with parental permission. There is no upper age limit for donors provided they meet health requirements. Donors should know their social security number and bring a signed form of identification. People with a fever or sore throat should wait until they are feeling better before donating, and there is a 24 hour deferral for teeth cleanings and fillings. For those who have traveled outside of the United States recently, call the blood center for eligibility criteria. For more information or to sign up for a blood drive, call the blood center at 1-800 BLOOD NJ. There will be a drive in Union City Saturday, May 20 at Edison School, 507 West Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blood Center of NJ