The Red Cross honored John Gates, 90 a member of Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club Friday August 21 for being one of their eldest donors. Gates, a past commodore and member since 1965 has donated a number of gallons of blood over the years, saving many lives. Although Gates jokingly said, “I actually don’t even know what my blood type is, I just know they told me it was a special type.” Gates learned years ago that his blood type is a universal blood type meaning that anyone in need can benefit from his blood. According to Susan Franson, Senior Program Director, from the Northern New Jersey Chapter of the American Red Cross, every pint of blood saves three lives. The Lake Hopatcong Yacht on Bertrand Island in Mt. Arlington holds an annual Blood Drive each year in August. This year’s event was held Saturday August 29. “I’m 90 years old, I think if my blood is so important to the Red Cross and the people benefiting, then that is a wonderful thing.” There are still donation slots available for Saturday's drive — if you are interested in giving blood, call the club at 973-398-4324. The yacht club is located on N. Bertrand Road in Mt. Arlington.
