Tilles Companies, in cooperation with Long Island Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center, is asking its tenants and neighbors to help spread the word about the Tilles blood drive, to be held Tuesday, October 14 between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the offices of Upton, Cohen & Slamowitz at 199 Crossways Park Drive in Woodbury.

Co-partner Peter Tilles said: "There is a common misperception among the public that blood shortages only occur during times of emergency. This is not the case. Blood is needed 365 days a year. There is a very real blood shortage prevalent every day on Long Island. We wanted to do something in a community-minded, responsible way that addresses this very real problem. We'd like to thank our friends at Upton,Cohen & Slamowitz for graciously opening their doors to support this very worthy event."

Co-partner Roger Tilles said: "We encourage all of our tenants, friends and neighbors to donate a little time and a little blood on October 14th. There is no substitute for human blood. We're trying to get the word out that we all have an equal stake in this life-saving mission. Please, come out on October 14th and donate blood. The entire process takes only about 45 minutes. But you can be adding so many more years to another person's life in doing so."

According to Long Island Blood Services, Long Island hospitals need over 750 fresh units of blood per day to meet the needs of cancer patients, accident victims and people facing surgery and other medical problems.

Who may donate: Eligible donors must be between 17 and 76 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Blood can be donated every 56 days.

For more information about this and other blood drives, please call Long Island Blood Services at 1-800-933-BLOOD. Website: www.nybloodcenter.org