Rather than that bogus “Pls donate blood for NY/DC catastrophes” announcement, maybe it’s a good idea to talk about real needs. Afghan refugees are pouring into neighboring countries, which are ill-equipped to help them. The UN is one of the few organizations in a position to do anything.
Here’s an article about their efforts:
http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/09/17/afghan.refugees/
And here’s their website with donation information:
http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/central/09/17/afghan.refugees/
As for the blood, please do make an appointment to donate blood in 4-8 weeks, or whenever your blood center says they want you to come in; and donate every 2 or 3 months after that. But there is no current need for blood for the NYC/DC catastrophes.