9th Annual Castellucci Blood Drive on December 14

 Don Castellucci, Jr., of Apalachin will sponsor his 9th Annual Blood Drive on Wednesday, December 14, from 1:30 to 6:30 pm, at the Elks Lodge, Front and Church Streets in Owego.

 Castellucci, who is a Town of Owego Councilman, started sponsoring blood drives during his father's final days battling cancer.  For the last eight years during the month of December Castellucci has dedicated the drive to the memory of his father who died on  December 25.  

 "This has become the tradition that I use to honor my dad's memory," said Castellucci.  "Each year a different combination of donors, young and old, help continued to make this drive a success. I will always be grateful for the donors who took the time to help prolong my father's life. This is my family's way of saying thank you to those who donated to him." 

 A rigatoni and meatball dinner will be served to all donors - another tradition which Castellucci started four years ago.

 Castellucci encourages donors to bring in food donations that will be collected for the Tioga County Rural Ministry or cash donations to the ministry in Don Sr.'s name. 

 The best gift you can give this time of year is the gift of life. Call 687-0965 to make an appointment to donate blood during Castellucci's Blood Drive on December 14.