Town of Owego Councilman Donald Castellucci, Jr. will hold his 7th Annual Blood Drive on Tuesday, December 23, from 1:30 to 6:30 pm at the Elks Lodge in Owego.  

 Castellucci started sponsoring blood drives during his father's final days battling cancer. For the last seven years during the month of December he has dedicated the drive to the memory of his dad who died on  December 25. "I will always be grateful for the donors who took the time to help prolong my father's life," said Castellucci. "This is my family's way of saying thank you to those who donated to him."

 Last year, despite a weather state of emergency, twenty-five people  donated blood. This year, Castellucci hopes that more than fifty people will donate. As in the last two years, there will be a rigatoni and meatball dinner served to all donors.

 During the blood drive, food donations will be collected for the Tioga County Rural Ministry, as well cash donations to the Ministry in Don Sr's name. The donations collected last year along with the several boxes of food was much appreciated.

 Castellucci said, "My  family and I have appreciated all the support we've received with the drive. As always each success depends on participation. After September 11th there were lines out the door to donate blood. Let's renew that spirit and give the gift of life this holiday season!"