Blood drives will be held in Jackson during July

The Central Jersey Blood Center, Shrewsbury, announced the following local blood drives:

• July 11, Knights of Columbus No. 6201, 401 Bartley Road, Jackson, 4-8 p.m.

• July 17, St. Monica’s Roman Catholic Church, 679 North Veterans Highway, Jackson, 5-9 p.m.

The donation process takes about an hour. Donors must complete a medical his­tory interview and have a mini-physical (temperature, iron level, pulse and blood pressure screening).

Interested donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. All donors must present identification with signature at time of registration.

Donations may also be made at the Central Jersey Blood Center, 494 Sycamore Ave., Shrewsbury. To schedule an appointment, call (732) 842-5750.

Lakewood summer reading program ready to start

Lakewood Township Committeeman Ray Coles announced that the Lakewood Board of Education, the Lakewood Education Association and the summer recreation program have formed a partnership to offer a "Summer Reading at the Playgrounds" program for Lakewood children. All playground participants will have the opportunity to experience supervised reading time and receive free books throughout the seven-week summer playground program. For information call the Lakewood Community School Program at (732) 905-3685.