Judson to hold blood drive Sept. 8

(Elgin, IL - August 24, 2011) For the first time in several years, Judson University will host a blood drive on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Eagle Lounge of Lindner Tower on the school's Elgin campus, 1151 N. State St. (Route 31) in Elgin. This event is open to both the Judson community and the general public.

Judson cross country/track and field athlete Stephanie Belokon is organizing the event as part of her membership to the Red Cross/National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Collegiate Leadership program.

Belokon, a junior studying Elementary Education, was chosen along with 15 other students to represent the NAIA at the Red Cross Leadership Summit program in Washington D.C. for two weeks in June.

Her class participated in a rare and unique opportunity to acquire first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training presented by the Red Cross, one of the nation's largest non-profit organizations.

As a part of the student representatives' experience, the Red Cross requires them to plan blood drives for their college campuses. In addition to the blood drive for September 8, Belokon is planning drives for January and March in 2012.

Anyone interested in donating blood for the Sept. 8 drive can contact Stephanie Belokon at 1sbelokon@student.judsonu.edu or register themselves at redcrossblood.org. Donators will be eligible to win an opening pitch, memorabilia or tickets to the White Sox game on Tuesday, Sept. 13.