Newton residents can donate blood steps from home when a Mass General Hospital bloodmobile pulls up to City Hall on Wednesday, August 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Newton Health & Human Services announced the free drive on Friday, July 17, calling it a partnership with MGH's Kraft Family Blood Donor Center. Appointments are open and can be booked online.

The bloodmobile is a 40-foot self-contained bus with two soundproof medical history booths, four donation beds, and a refreshment area, according to MGH. A nurse, phlebotomists, and a driver staff each unit. The hospital says the whole process takes about 30 minutes per donor, and each bus collects an average of 56 units of blood during a six-hour shift.

Newton City Hall is at 1000 Commonwealth Ave. in Newton Centre. The announcement did not specify where on the property the bus will park. Residents with questions can reach the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at 617-724-9699 or [email protected].

A report from America's Blood Centers found that only about 3% of eligible Americans donate blood, underscoring the need for convenient local drives like this one.

Other upcoming Newton community events

  • Wednesday, Aug. 5 — Deadline to sign up for Newton Community Farm's 2026 Fruit Share ($125; pickups Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2–7 p.m., starting Aug. 19 through Oct. 7). Details at newtoncommunityfarm.org.
  • Friday, Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m. — Soft Touch Dance Band and a screening of "Rear Window" at the Hyde Community Center, Newton Highlands (Summer in the Highlands series).
  • Friday, Aug. 14, 6–8 p.m. — Boston Rock and Soul Revue plus "Meatballs" at the Hyde Community Center.
  • Sunday, Aug. 16, 4–7:30 p.m. — India Day Celebration at the Hyde Community Center.
  • Friday, Aug. 21, 6–8 p.m. — Monster Groove and "Dog Man" at the Hyde Community Center.
  • Friday, Aug. 28, 6–8 p.m. — Martin and Kelly plus "Shrek" at the Hyde Community Center.
  • Through Friday, Sept. 4 — Newton Free Library Summer Reading Bingo Challenge for adults 18+. Pick up or download bingo sheets; completed sheets earn raffle entries.