Residents of the Massapequas and the surrounding areas will have two opportunities to kick off the New Year by giving blood.

Blood supplies are notoriously low during the winter months. Now, in response to the recent occurrence of Mad Cow Disease, the FDA has restricted the import of blood from Europe. This means that hospitals and blood banks must become self-sufficient in meeting blood supply needs to help family, friends -- and that there has never been a better time to donate blood.

Long Island Blood Services, in conjunction with Brunswick Hospital Center, will hold a blood drive Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Brunswick Hall auditorium, located on Louden Ave. in East Massapequa.

To qualify as a blood donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs., and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Additionally, potential donors at the Brunswick Hospital Center should have no tattoos for the past 12 months, bring a valid ID, eat well and drink plenty of fluids beforehand.

Breakfast and lunch will be served and donors will be eligible to win one of various raffle prizes. For an appointment, call Brunswick Lab at 631-789-7400. Walk-ins are also welcome.

The second blood drive will be held Jan. 30, and is hosted by the North Massapequa Fire Department. The drive will be held at Fire Department Headquarters at Broadway and Albany Avenues from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Hospitals use hundreds of pints of blood each day to meet the needs of Long Island's patients," Chief Kenneth Blinder said. "Giving blood is always in season, and what better way to make a difference this winter than by giving the gift of life to someone in need."

The fire department will provide refreshments for everyone who attends the blood drive. For more information, residents can contact the fire department at 579-0900. Residents can also go online at www.NMFD-660.com.

"Donating is quick and easy and is an entirely safe procedure," Blinder explained. "All materials used during the process are sterile, disposable and used only once, by you. There is no danger of contracting any disease, including AIDS. The pint of blood you donate will never be missed by your body, which manufactures an equivalent amount in 24 hours, but it could mean the difference between life and death to one or more recipients. When broken down into component parts, one single pint of blood can be used to heal and help the bodies of five different people."