Naperville Park District hosts blood drives at downtown community center

When the governor's executive order was issued last week to close businesses and organizations to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), many area blood drives were canceled. As a result, the Naperville Park District offered to step in and host several donation opportunities at its Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center.

Partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, the Park District is hosting the blood drive in its Community Hall, located on the upper level of the Community Center at 305 W. Jackson Ave. in Naperville, on the following dates:

• Thursday, March 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. (nearly full)

• Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Giving blood is especially important during times of crisis, and the coronavirus situation is no exception.

According to Sarah Horne from Versiti Blood Center, prospective donors should make an appointment to ensure that social distancing guidelines can be followed. Appointments may be made in one of three ways: call 800-7TO-GIVE, visit www.versiti.org/IL or via the Versiti Donor app.

Additionally, prospective donors are asked to visit www.versiti.org/home/coronavirus-information to learn about the steps that Versiti staff are taking to keep donors and staff safe and healthy during the blood donation process.