'Give a Pint, Get a Firehouse Sub' at Bolingbrook blood drive Feb. 16

The National Random Acts of Kindness Day will be celebrated a day early as Firehouse Subs, 1235 W. Boughton Road in Bolingbrook, will partner with Vitalant to host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16.

All participating donors will receive a coupon for a free sub sandwich and limited edition pair of Vitalant socks in exchange for their donation.

While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged and can be made by visiting visiting vitalant.org or calling (877) 25-VITAL.

"National Random Acts of Kindness Day is Feb. 17, but we're happy to partner with Vitalant one day earlier, especially for such an important cause," said Firehouse Subs franchise owner Sam Stanovich. "First responders know the importance of donating blood, especially during this time of year when donations are at their lowest."

In preparation for their donation, donors are asked to eat well, stay hydrated and arrive with proper identification. The donation appointment takes about an hour (with the donation itself only around ten minutes) and is both safe and comfortable.

Last year, Blood Systems announced that its 10 blood center brands including LifeSource had united as one cohesive brand under the new name Vitalant. In the Chicago area, Vitalant has 17 donation centers, four fixed sites, and hosts an average of six blood drives every day.

View all center locations and blood drive dates by visiting vitalant.org or call (877) 258-4825 (877-25VITAL).