Versiti Blood Center of Illinois gets $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois has been awarded a $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life. The grant will support the organization's focus on engaging with first-time blood donors and increasing collections within the education industry.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support of New York Life and their investment in our organization," said Amy Smith, area vice president and director of center recruitment. "Through this grant, we look forward to engaging our student leaders to help educate about the need and encourage others to donate."

"I'm proud to work for a company that encourages its agents and employees to devote their time, energy and talents to support the needs and priorities of their local community," said Mark Anuszkiewicz, financial services professional with the company's Greater Chicago General Office. "We are pleased that our partnership will have a long-lasting impact on Versiti Blood Center of Illinois and the population they serve."

The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations, which are championed by New York Life agents and employees. Since the program's inception in 2008, nearly 750 grants totaling more than $10 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.

In addition to the Community Impact Grant, New York Life regularly hosts on-site blood drives at the Greater Chicago General Office for ITS employees and others in the building.

Anyone 17 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. Appointments are preferred to ensure a quick and convenient donation, but walk-in donors are also welcome. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes their birth date.

To learn more, visit Versiti.org or call (800) 786-4483 to make an appointment to donate today.

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Aurora, that specializes in blood products and services and provides expert medical and technical support. Founded in 1943, it is the oldest blood center in Illinois and serves patients at 86 hospitals in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana. It operates 12 donor centers and conducts nearly 2,200 blood drives annually at area hospitals, churches, businesses, schools and community centers. To learn more, visit versiti.org.