Senator Bill Weber announced the return of his Third Annual Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge, a countywide initiative held in partnership with the New York Blood Center that encourages residents to donate blood while fostering friendly competition among Rockland County's five towns.

Now in its third year, the annual challenge has become one of Rockland County's signature community service initiatives, bringing together residents, local governments, and the New York Blood Center around a common goal, that of helping save lives through blood donation. Since its inception, the competition has generated hundreds of blood donations while introducing dozens of first-time donors to the lifesaving importance of giving blood.

"The Five Towns Blood Drive Challenge is one of my favorite events of the year because it demonstrates what we can accomplish when our communities come together for a common purpose," Senator Weber said. "Every donation has the potential to save multiple lives, and this friendly competition encourages people to make a real difference for those who depend on blood every single day."

Over the first two years of the competition, hundreds of blood donations have been collected, with the Town of Clarkstown capturing three of the four championship trophies awarded and the Town of Orangetown claiming the remaining trophy last year. This year, all five towns will once again compete for top honors.

The 2026 Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge schedule is as follows:

Town of Clarkstown

• Monday, July 27 Until 4:00 p.m.
• Clarkstown Town Hall 10 Maple Avenue, New City

Town of Stony Point

• Tuesday, July 28 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Kirkbride Hall 5 Patriot Hills Lane, Stony Point

Town of Haverstraw

• Wednesday, July 29 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Haverstraw Town Hall 1 Rosman Road, Garnerville

Town of Orangetown

• Thursday, July 30 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Orangetown Town Hall 26 Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg

Town of Ramapo

• Friday, July 31 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Finkelstein Memorial Library 24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley

Two championship trophies will once again be awarded at the conclusion of the competition: one to the town collecting the highest number of blood donations and another to the town registering the most first-time blood donors.

"We have seen this challenge grow each year, and I hope this year's competition is our biggest and most successful yet," Senator Weber said. "Whether you are a regular donor or considering giving blood for the first time, I encourage every eligible resident to participate. A single donation can make a lifesaving difference, and together we can help ensure hospitals have the blood supply they need while showing what Rockland County can accomplish when we work together."

Senator Weber thanked the New York Blood Center, the five Town Supervisors, municipal employees, volunteers, and everyone who has helped make the Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge a success over the past three years. He encouraged residents to donate in support of their hometown while helping provide an essential, lifesaving resource for hospitals and patients throughout the region.