Donate blood and meet Blackhawks, Bears players

As the holidays approach, so does the traditional decline in the number of people who donate blood.

Sadly, while donations typically wane in December and January, the demand for blood remains the same and often increases at hospitals throughout the Chicago area.

Demonstrating that there's an easier way to give blood than through big hits on the ice and on the gridiron, members of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears will support their fans who attend a pair of upcoming LifeSource blood drives.

The first is the Blackhawks blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at The Westin O'Hare, 6100 N. River Road, Rosemont. Along with meeting NHL Hall of Famer Bobby Hull and Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk, those who donate blood at the event will be entered into a drawing to win Blackhawks tickets and autographed merchandise.

On Tuesday, Dec. 22, LifeSource teams with the Chicago Bears for a special blood drive at the Midway Club at Soldier Field from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Several current Bear players are expected to attend, as is 1985 Super Bowl champion Jim Covert. Everyone who donates blood will be entered into a drawing to win one of two pairs of tickets to view a Bears game from a Soldier Field suite, including a tunnel pregame experience.

For information or to register to donate at either of the upcoming blood drives, call (877) 543-3768 or visit www.lifesource.org.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old or 16 with written parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Most medications are accepted. The donation process takes about an hour and is both safe and comfortable.

Proper ID is required to donate blood. A LifeSource or military ID, driver's license or employee badge with picture and full name are all approved forms of ID. A birth certificate along with a picture ID that includes the donor's full name will also be accepted.