News

Heartland urges blood donations

Posted December 16, 2008 10:00 pm

Daily Herald Staff Report

Heartland Blood Centers, an independent blood center serving 32 hospitals in a 12-county region in Illinois and Indiana, urges all residents to donate in the month of December. All blood donors will receive a coupon good for a $15 Starbucks gift card when they donate between Dec. 14 and Dec. 31 at any Heartland location or blood drive. For a list of locations or center hours, visit www.heartlandbc.org for a Heartland center or community blood drive near you.

"What better gift to give this holiday season than the 'gift of life'," said Ann McKanna, Heartland's vice president of marketing and new business development. "Donating blood is the one gift you can give that is free, it won't cost you anything but an hour of your time. It is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can share with another person."

All donors receive free mini-medical exams on site and information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level.

To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years old or 16 with written parental permission; weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom free of cold, flu and allergies; and be in general good health. Donors who have traveled outside the United States within the past 12 months should contact Heartland at (800) 7TO-GIVE to determine eligibility.

Founded in 1943, Heartland Blood Centers' mission is to provide and maintain an adequate supply of blood and blood products for area hospitals to draw upon to meet the needs of patients.

All community members are encouraged to attend the following blood drives:

Bartlett: Dec. 22 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bartlett Village Hall, 228 S. Main St. All donors will receive a $15 redeemable coupon for a Starbucks coupon.

Crystal Lake: Dec. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at Hope Covenant Church, 451 Ackman Road.

Crystal Lake: Dec. 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God: 5906 S. Route 31. Call Laura Enright at (815) 344-9248 or sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org. All donors will receive a coupon good for a $15 Starbucks gift card and a holiday music CD compliments of Heartland Blood Centers.

DeKalb: Dec. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, One Kish Hospital Drive; Call (815) 756-1521 to schedule your appointment or book online at www.heartlandbc.org. All donors will receive a coupon good for a $15 Starbucks gift card. Walk-ins welcome.

Elgin: Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Provena St. Joseph Hospital, 77 Airlite St.

Genoa: Dec. 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church: 325 S. Stott. Benefit blood drive for Mason Mcpherson. Call Bob at (815) 762-8082. All donors will receive a premium heartland nautical wind jacket and a coupon for a $15 Starbucks gift card. Walk-ins welcome.

Genoa: Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Genoa Rescue Squad, 317 Railroad Ave. The Genoa Kingston Fire Protection District is sponsoring a blood drive and Fill the Boot fundraiser for the Jennings family in honor of Diane Jennings. To schedule an appointment to donate blood call (815) 784-3412 to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins welcome. All donors will receive a coupon good for a $15 Starbucks gift card.

Hampshire: Dec. 18 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hampshire High School, 1600 Big Timber Road; Call Jenny Fanter at (815) 792-3521 to schedule your appointment. All donors will receive a pair of flannel lounge pants and a coupon good for a $15 Starbucks gift card.

Hampshire: Dec. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 297 E. Jefferson Ave. Call Jim Ward at (847) 683-2566 to schedule your appointment. All donors will receive a coupon good for a Starbucks gift card and a Holiday Music CD compliments of Heartland.

McHenry: Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Centegra Hospital, 4201 Medical Center Drive. Call Bonnie Saban at (815) 759-4203 or sign up online at www.heartlandbc.org. All donors will receive a Heartland Jacket and a coupon good for a $15 Starbucks gift card.

St. Charles Dec. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at Charlestowne Mall, 3800 E. Main St. To schedule an appointment, call Marcia at (630) 513-1120. Walk-ins are welcome. Photo ID is required. Each donor will receive a free coupon for a $15 Starbucks gift card.

St. Charles Dec. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 N. Fifth Ave. To schedule an appointment, call Mark at (630) 917-8475. Walk-ins are welcome. Photo ID is required. Each donor will receive a free coupon for a $15 Starbucks gift card.