Mount Prospect blood drive making pitch for donors at village parade

Nonprofit Vitalant usually holds a blood drive every first Thursday of the month in the Farley Community Room at Mount Prospect's village hall.

But for Independence Day, the organization is taking to the road and taking part in Mount Prospect's July 4 parade.

Volunteer Carol Tortorello said the idea is to spread the word and boost participation in the blood drive, which has been a part of the community for 40 years.

"It's the best-kept secret in Mount Prospect," she said.

Donations slow down during the summer, but the demand doesn't.

"Every pint of blood can help three people," Tortorello said.

Because of its participation in the parade, the regular July blood drive will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 11, at village hall.

The parade begins at 1 p.m. Thursday at the corner of Emerson Street and Prospect Avenue then marchers to Central Road and Melas Park, home to the Mount Prospect Lions Club Festival.