N※N

Nutley Community Honors Teen with Blood Drive

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. tley-community-honors-teen-with-blood-drive.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 21:22 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

NUTLEY, N.J. - The township of Nutley, New Jersey is rallying together in a powerful display of community spirit to honor the life of Emily Grace Fazzola, a 16-year-old tragically lost in a car accident on January 18th. A blood drive, organized by the Fazzola family, will be held on February 28th at Nutley High School, aiming to not only commemorate Emily's memory but also to directly benefit the hospitals that provided her with care.

The loss of a young life often leaves a community reeling, and the Fazzola family has chosen to channel their grief into a positive act of giving. Rather than simply mourning, they are asking others to contribute to a cause that could save other lives - a testament to Emily's spirit and a hopeful way to turn tragedy into something meaningful. The decision to organize a blood drive reflects the critical need for blood donations and the direct impact those donations have on individuals facing medical emergencies, particularly trauma patients like Emily.

Emily's passing, the result of a car crash in Paramus, has deeply affected the Nutley community. While details surrounding the accident are understandably private for the family, the outpouring of support since the incident demonstrates the deep connections Emily had within her school and local circles. The blood drive is a natural extension of that support, a chance for friends, neighbors, and even strangers to contribute in a tangible way.

"We wanted to do something to give back," explained a family spokesperson. "The care Emily received was exceptional, and we know firsthand how vital blood transfusions can be in these situations. This is our way of saying thank you to the healthcare professionals and ensuring that other families don't have to face the same heartbreak."

The blood drive will take place at Nutley High School, 10 Riverside Drive, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on February 28th. The location was specifically chosen for its central accessibility within the community and its capacity to accommodate a potentially large number of donors. Nutley High School has a history of partnering with local organizations to host events that benefit the wider community, making it an ideal venue for this important initiative.

All eligible individuals are encouraged to participate. The American Red Cross, the organization partnering with the Fazzola family to run the drive, has specific eligibility requirements that potential donors should review before arriving. These requirements typically include age restrictions, minimum weight, and overall health considerations. Detailed information can be found on the Red Cross website.

Beyond simply showing up to donate, individuals can also pre-register online at [ https://www.redcrossblood.org/give-blood/find-blood-drive.html?zipSponsor=97063 ]. Pre-registration helps streamline the donation process and allows the Red Cross to anticipate donor turnout, ensuring an efficient and comfortable experience for everyone involved. Appointments are strongly recommended, though walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. This blood is used to treat patients with a wide range of conditions, including accidents, surgeries, cancer, chronic illnesses, and childbirth complications. A single blood donation can save up to three lives, highlighting the profound impact each donor can make.

This blood drive isn't just about numbers; it's about honoring a young woman who had a bright future. It's about providing comfort to a grieving family. And it's about strengthening the bonds of a community through an act of selfless giving. The memory of Emily Grace Fazzola will undoubtedly live on, not only in the hearts of those who knew and loved her but also in the lives saved through the generosity inspired by her story. Organizers hope this drive will become an annual event, solidifying Emily's legacy of kindness and compassion within the Nutley community.