For 30 consecutive years, Mark Buciak has turned the loss of his father into an enduring act of generosity, bringing the community together to help patients in need of lifesaving blood. On Sunday, November 8, the John Buciak Memorial Blood Drive returns to Old St. Pat’s Church to mark its 30th anniversary and continue a legacy built on the gift of life.

Mark established the annual blood drive in 1996, following the death of his father, John, who was a regular blood donor and instilled in his family the importance of giving back. Wanting to honor his father’s memory, Mark decided to create something that would help others and keep his father’s spirit alive.

What began as a personal tribute has grown into one of Chicago’s longstanding community blood drives. Over three decades, the drive has collected about 3,000 units of blood, helping support patients who depend on transfusions during emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment and other medical care.

"My father taught me during his life that if you have a gift, you can keep it, or you can take that gift and make it really special by giving it to a stranger who is in need," said Mark Buciak. "Celebrating 30 years of this blood drive and knowing the lives it has touched is a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we give to others."

Mark’s commitment to the cause earned him the American Red Cross Blood Services Hero award in 2017, recognizing his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and help maintain a sufficient blood supply.

Thirty years later, the mission behind the drive remains the same: bringing people together to give back and help ensure blood is available when patients need it. The Red Cross encourages community members to make an appointment and be part of this milestone year.

Help celebrate 30 years of giving by donating blood at the John Buciak Memorial Blood Drive:

Old St. Pat’s Church – FXW Gym
129 S. Desplaines St. | Chicago, IL 60661
Sunday, November 8, 2026
7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App. As a thank-you, all who come to give Oct. 19-Nov. 22, 2026, will get up to $20 in Gift Cards ─ that's a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email and 500 bonus points, which can be redeemed for a $10 e-gift card through Blood Donor Rewards! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Maze for details.

November is also Diabetes Awareness Month. To help empower and educate our blood donors, successful donations in November will get free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes (one result per calendar year).

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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