The community is invited to donate blood in memory of Jimmy Polarek at a special American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, April 30, from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department located at 291-2 IN-49, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Jimmy graduated from Morgan Township Schools in the East Porter County School Corporation and was a dedicated community member. As a student, Jimmy was an Eagle Scout, a member of the 4-H program and Porter County Young Farmers, as well as St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He also served as a part of the Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department. Family members and friends say Jimmy loved helping others and continued to do so as an organ donor after his passing.

Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help celebrate a person’s life. Each day, the Red Cross must collect about 12,000 blood donations for patients who rely on lifesaving blood products at hospitals nationwide. In the hour it takes to donate blood, you can give a lifesaving gift and provide hope to a patient in need.

Blood Drive in Memory of Jimmy Polarek

Wednesday, April 30th

12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department

291-2 IN-49

Valparaiso, IN 46383

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code “EPCSC” to make an appointment. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App to schedule an appointment.

All who come to give blood April 14-30, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, all who come to give April 1-30, 2025, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners. Terms apply: redcross.org/hope.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:

The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports 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 perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @indianaredcross.