Tinton Falls Eagle Scout Honored for Organizing Local Blood Drive

Joking that the Eagle Scout was the "Energizer Bunny," Tinton Falls Borough Council President Gary Baldwin commended 17-year-old Robert Maber for his efforts earlier this year coordinating a

Maber, a senior at , was honored at Tuesday's council meeting with a resolution memorializing his efforts in organizing a blood drive on Sept. 17 with the Central Jersey Blood Center.

The drive was held in coordination with Boy Scout Troop 124 at the

Baldwin announced to applause that the borough will continue the tradition of the blood drive in Maber's honor annually.

Following the reading of the resolution, Maber made it clear to Baldwin and the audience that the success of the drive cannot be credited to just one person and depended on the support of the community.

According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, the state has lagged behind the nation in the percentage of people giving blood for 15 years. A single donation can save up to three lives.

Nearly 60 percent of New Jersey adults are eligible to give blood, yet only 2.5 percent do so on a routine basis, according state health statistics. If even 5 percent donated -- the national average -- New Jersey would have no blood shortage.