Cranford Group Honors Founding Member with Blood Drive
Maria Torres · Union County Life
Union County Daughters of Ireland is holding a blood drive through August 16 at the Scotch Plains Donor Center in honor of Cranford resident MaryEllen O'Neill, who passed away one year ago. The drive carries particular significance as the organization marks the one-year anniversary of O'Neill's death on August 15. Her legacy of community service and blood donation advocacy continues to inspire the organization's work.
Union County Life covers community service initiatives and charitable events across all 21 Union County municipalities.
O'Neill's Journey and Impact
MaryEllen O'Neill was diagnosed with salivary gland cancer in 2012 and breast cancer in 2020. During her treatment, she received numerous blood and platelet transfusions that saved her life. That experience inspired her and the Daughters of Ireland to begin holding blood drives.
Erin Burke, president of Union County Daughters of Ireland, reflected on O'Neill's influence: "That experience inspired her and our organization to begin holding blood drives." Burke added: "As we approach the one-year anniversary of MaryEllen's passing this week, it is especially meaningful for us to hold this blood drive in her honor."
Community Service Leadership
O'Neill's record within the organization was extensive. She helped establish the Daughters of Ireland Community Service Committee and co-created "With Love from The Daughters," a program that collects toys for donation to hospitals. She assembled 100 care packages for women undergoing chemotherapy. The organization named her its Community Service Honoree in 2023.
Beyond Daughters of Ireland, O'Neill was a founding member of Bosom Buddies of New Jersey, a nonprofit supporting Union County families facing cancer. Her commitment to community care reflected a broader philosophy of service and connection.
Critical Need for Donors
The blood drive supports both O'Neill's memory and an urgent public health need. New York Blood Center, which operates New Jersey Blood Services, declared its second emergency of the summer in July 2026. The regional blood supply had fallen to approximately two days — the lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic — and low inventories nationwide have limited the ability of centers elsewhere to help.
O'Neill's Legacy
The drive also supports "Miles of Kindness," a documentary by Daughters of Ireland member Lori Talbot that highlights the importance of blood donation and community connection.
Mary O'Connor, a friend of O'Neill's, described her character: "Mary Ellen looked for and believed in the best in everyone. She was tireless at making people feel loved and included. My greatest wish is that people keep her spirit alive through little acts of kindness every day."
How to Donate
To schedule an appointment at the Scotch Plains Donor Center, 2279 South Avenue, visit nybc.org/ireland. The drive runs through August 16.
Find more Cranford community service and charitable events on Union County Life.
FAQ
Q: Where can I donate blood to honor MaryEllen O'Neill?
A: The Union County Daughters of Ireland is holding a blood drive through August 16 at the Scotch Plains Donor Center, 2279 South Avenue. Schedule an appointment at nybc.org/ireland.
Q: Why is the Daughters of Ireland holding a blood drive?
A: The organization is honoring Cranford resident MaryEllen O'Neill, who passed away one year ago. O'Neill's cancer treatment required numerous blood and platelet transfusions, which inspired her and the organization to support blood donation.
Q: When is MaryEllen O'Neill's one-year anniversary?
A: August 15, 2026. The blood drive runs through August 16 to mark this meaningful date.
Q: What was MaryEllen O'Neill's community work?
A: O'Neill helped establish the Daughters of Ireland Community Service Committee, co-created "With Love from The Daughters" (toy donation program), assembled 100 care packages for women in chemotherapy, and was a founding member of Bosom Buddies of New Jersey.
Q: Why is there a critical need for blood donors?
A: New York Blood Center declared an emergency in July 2026. The regional blood supply fell to approximately two days—the lowest level since COVID-19. Low inventories nationwide are limiting blood centers' ability to help.
Q: What is "Miles of Kindness"?
A: A documentary by Daughters of Ireland member Lori Talbot highlighting the importance of blood donation and community connection.
Q: What recognition did MaryEllen O'Neill receive?
A: Union County Daughters of Ireland named her Community Service Honoree in 2023 for her extensive community service work.
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