Dear Editor, 
 I am writing to thank the many who helped make my recent blood drive a success. We were able to attract 41 donors and collect 33 pints of blood. That in turn will touch the lives of 99 people. We also collected $60 and a box of food for the Tioga County Rural Ministry.

 I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event. The following businesses donated the food, paper products, and the location: Dominic Fata, Brothers Two, John and Bev Hitchings, John's Fine Foods, Carl and Jim Roma, Jim Roma's Bakery, Tom Welch, Store Manager, P & C Market, Ron Akel, Giant Markets, Dick Testa and Dave Kucko, The Sports Page, Colleen and Anthony Malarkey, Vestal Dollar, Bob Porzucek, The Dugout, Mike and Barb Roberts, Apalachin Auto, Tim and Diane Sansone, The Ale House and the Owego Elks Club.  This event could not have taken place without them. I would like to thank the Apalachin Community Press, The Tioga Courier, the Owego Pennysaver and the Press and Sun-Bulletin, for their yearly coverage of the blood drive.  Helping make the public aware is what makes these types of events successful.  I would also like to thank the Red Cross for their professionalism and dedication.

 Finally I would like the donors who come year after year to the drive and the ones who donated the first time. My family appreciates your efforts during this time of year when we remember my dad. It is a privilege to reside in a community as giving as ours.

Sincerely,
Councilman Donald Castellucci, Jr.