By Madina Toure
The Flushing Letter Carriers are hosting a blood drive next week to honor a Forest Hills carrier who died last year.
The drive, which will take place Aug. 12 from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Joyce Kilmer Hall at 35-79 160th St., commemorates Brother Joseph Cierzniewski, who worked for the post office at 106-28 Queens Blvd. in Forest Hills for 36 years. He died on July 9, 2014. Since 2001, Cierzniewski had donated blood about three times a year.
Andrew Fontanetta, editor of the branch’s newspaper, organizes blood drives in January, April and August with Tony Paolillo, president of the Flushing Letter Carriers.
“Our union holds free blood drives and usually each blood drive is in memory of a carrier that passed away,” Fontanetta said.
New York Blood Center will collect blood and six-foot hero sandwiches will be served. Anyone can participate.
The Flushing Letter Carriers have collected 64 pints of blood at the other two drives held this year. They hope to collect at least 36 pints at this event, which would bring them to their 100-pint goal.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
