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Belleville, Nutley to Host Blood Drive Honoring Mark Di Bella

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 22:53 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

BELLEVILLE, NJ - February 1st, 2026 - The towns of Belleville and Nutley are preparing to come together next month for a vital cause, a community blood drive dedicated to the memory of Mark Di Bella, the recently deceased owner of Di Bella Boy's Club, a cherished youth sports program. The event, scheduled for Saturday, February 17th, at Belleville High School, isn't just a tribute to a beloved local figure; it's a powerful reminder of the constant and critical need for blood donations, and an opportunity for residents to directly impact the lives of others.

Mark Di Bella was more than simply a businessman; he was a dedicated member of the Nutley community, known for his unwavering support of local initiatives and his commitment to fostering community spirit. Friends and colleagues describe him as a pillar of the town, always willing to lend a hand and inspire others to get involved. His passing has left a significant void, but the blood drive stands as a testament to the positive legacy he built, channeling the energy of remembrance into a tangible act of kindness.

"Mark was more than just a business owner; he was a community pillar and a dear friend to many," Belleville Mayor Michael Melham stated. "This blood drive is a testament to his dedication to helping others and making a difference in our community." This sentiment is echoed throughout both towns, with many residents expressing their desire to honor Di Bella's memory through participation.

The blood drive is being expertly organized by the Belleville Department of Recreation, with logistical support from the American Red Cross. The event will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Belleville High School, located at 101 Monroe St. Organizers anticipate a strong turnout, fueled by both grief and a strong sense of community responsibility.

"Donating blood is a selfless act that can save lives," explains Joey Witkowski, Belleville Recreation Director. "By participating in this blood drive, we can honor Mark's memory and help ensure that those in need have access to life-saving blood transfusions." Witkowski emphasized the importance of pre-registration, which can be done conveniently through the Red Cross website (https://www.redcrossblood.org/). However, walk-ins will be warmly welcomed, providing flexibility for those with busy schedules.

The Ongoing Critical Need for Blood Donations

While this blood drive is specifically honoring Mark Di Bella, it underscores a much larger, ongoing issue: the constant need for blood donations. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. This need is driven by a variety of factors, including accidents, surgeries, chronic illnesses (like cancer and sickle cell anemia), and childbirth complications.

Blood supplies often dwindle during winter months due to seasonal illnesses like the flu and inclement weather disrupting donation schedules. This makes events like the Di Bella memorial drive particularly crucial. The availability of different blood types also fluctuates, with certain types (O negative, for example, which is the universal donor) being in higher demand than others.

Who Can Donate?

Donating blood is generally safe and straightforward, but there are some basic eligibility requirements. Potential donors should:

• Be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent).
• Weigh at least 110 pounds.
• Be feeling well on the day of donation.
• Bring a photo ID or two forms of identification.

These are just basic guidelines. A brief health screening will be conducted at the blood drive to ensure donor safety and the integrity of the blood supply.

The Belleville Department of Recreation can be contacted at (973) 450-3367 for more detailed information regarding eligibility and the donation process. They encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out.

The Mark Di Bella Memorial Blood Drive represents more than just a collection of pints of blood. It represents a community coming together to celebrate a life well-lived, to offer support to those in need, and to ensure that Mark Di Bella's legacy of kindness and community involvement continues to inspire for years to come. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in loss, we have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.