Donate blood, get free PJs: Naperville church offers cozy reward for good deed

Alleluia! Lutheran Church in Naperville will host a community blood drive in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois on Sunday, Oct. 4. It will be 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church gym, 103rd Street and Book Road.

Those who donate can receive free flannel PJ pants or a hooded sweatshirt from Versiti as a thank-you gift while supplies last.

All are invited to participate in the mobile drive, which will supply critical blood products to local hospitals. Across the country, someone needs blood every two seconds, Versiti notes, and every blood donation can save as many three lives.

Blood supplies in northern Illinois fell to historic lows over the summer, and the need for blood donors continues to be great.

Donations of type O blood in particular are needed. While about 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, according to Versiti, each year fewer than 5% of individuals actually donate.

In Illinois, ages 16 and 17 can donate with the permission of a parent or guardian so long as they meet height and weight requirements. Donations of whole blood can be made every eight weeks. All donors should eat a healthy meal at least one hour before donating, stay well-hydrated before and after their donation, and bring a photo ID to the drive.

Advance registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit alleluialutheran.org/events/upcoming to book an appointment.

Alleluia! Lutheran Church, 4055 S. Book Road in Naperville, is a welcoming faith community and a member of the Chicago-based ELCA. The church hosts worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. (traditional music) and 10:30 a.m. (contemporary music). For information, visit alleluialutheran.org or call 630-904-3311.