Assembly Member Paula Kay is asking residents to give the gift of life this holiday season, sharing a deeply personal story that inspired her own commitment to blood donation.
“December 22nd happens to be my father’s birthday. He passed in 2019,” Kay said. “When he was in the hospital before we brought him home on hospice, the day I found out the really, really bad news about him, there was a New York blood donor drive going on right outside the hospital. I was feeling like there was nothing I could do for my dad, and I walked outside. I said, ‘Maybe I can do something else,’ so I gave blood.”
Kay said the experience offered a sense of purpose during a difficult moment. “I felt like I couldn’t do anything directly for my father that day, but maybe I could help some other people and other families in need.”
She emphasized why donations are particularly critical during the holiday season. “There may be more accidents, hospitals may be fuller than normal, and it’s important that we have enough blood to cover whatever could happen so our medical professionals can do their jobs.”
For first-time donors, Kay shared what to expect. “You walk in and see friendly, smiling faces. You sit in a chair, get snacks, something to drink, and because it’s cold, we’re giving out hats and gloves. It’s a great way to get a sense of community. In that hour, you’re helping people and can walk out knowing you’ve done something really good for your community.”
Kay said her personal experience is a reminder that small acts can make a meaningful difference. “Sometimes in life, you can’t fix everything, but you can help others. Giving blood is one way to do that.”
Reflecting on the season and the recent mass shootings across the world , Kay encouraged residents to embrace kindness and community. “All year I’ve talked about kindness. As we head into the holidays, it should be a special time with family and friends. I would encourage everyone—Jewish, non-Jewish, any community member—to go to a local menorah lighting. It’s a sense of community, a reminder of the light, coming out of darkness.”
The blood drive will be held Monday, Dec. 22, from 1–7 p.m. at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, NY. Donors can register at nybc.org using code 71078.