The community is invited to give blood at the 25^th annual John Buciak Old St. Pat’s Blood Drive on Sunday, November 14^th from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old St. Patrick’s Church, 129 S. Desplaines Street in Chicago, Illinois.

John Buciak was a U.S. Navy Veteran who throughout his life cared for his family and always lent a hand to those in need. Giving back to his community was at the heart of everything that John did. For the last 25 years, his family has held an annual blood drive in his honor. The annual blood drive, which is one of the largest in Chicago, has collected more than 2,000 units of blood since its inception to help patients in need.

Donors are encouraged to come out to donate on November 14^th. To schedule an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org and enter zip code 60661 or call 1-800-Red Cross. Presenting donors will receive a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt while supplies last.

In addition, to encourage donors to help meet the needs of hospital patients this month, all who come to donate Nov.1-23 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.* Those who come to give around the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 24-28, will receive a pair of Red Cross socks, while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS to give now and in the weeks ahead to overcome the ongoing blood shortage. 

Blood transfusions are one of the most common hospital procedures in the U.S. – used to help treat kids battling cancer, accident victims being rushed to emergency rooms, individuals experiencing extreme sickle cell disease pain, and people with complicated childbirths. It is the blood already on hospital shelves that makes a lifesaving difference.

Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

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 not-for-profit 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. 

*Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal.