Above / Two blood drives are scheduled in early June, both in the heart of Naperville. The first one on Sat., June 3, 2023, will be held at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave., just west of Centennial Beach. The spacious parking lot faces the Naperville Riverwalk. A second choice to give will be held in the mobile unit to be parked at 34 W. Jefferson Avenue on Sat., June 10. (PN File Photo)

As summer quickly approaches, now is a good time to consider giving blood to fill the need when blood banks nationwide tend to experience a drastic decline in donations when it gets hot. Plus, the fact that many blood drives take place at schools soon to close for summer break, local initiatives are especially important. 

The Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 will host its annual Spring Blood Drive from 7:30AM to 1PM on Sat., June 3, at the post, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave., just north of the Riverwalk.

The community is welcome to participate. (Note: To give blood, individuals must be age 16 with a signed written consent from a parent or guardian. Becoming a teen volunteer blood donor helps establish a lifelong commitment to saving lives.)

To schedule an appointment, call (877) 258-4825.

Walk-ins are welcome, too

“Of course, it’s also easy to just walk in,” organizers said, emphasizing the need for blood donations every single day all year round.

Note that every day in the U.S., patients in hospitals, surgical centers and emergency treatment facilities need approximately:

• 29,000 units of red blood cells
• 5,000 units of platelets
• 6,500 units of plasma

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For more information about all the programs, socials and activities hosted by the Judd Kendall VFW Post for fellow veterans as well as the community, visit www.napervfw3873.org.

Blood donations are urgently needed in the summertime

If Sat., June 3, is not convenient, consider the Naperville Freemasons are hosting a blood drive from 9AM to 2PM on Sat., June 10, in the Versiti Van that will be parked at 34 W. Jefferson Avenue in downtown Naperville. For info, call 800-786-4483 or email donate.il@versiti.org. Book in advance. Walk-ins are OK! 

What’s more, donors are welcome to give blood, double red cells, or platelets at the Versiti Blood Center of Illinois donation center seven days per week. Versiti Blood Center is located at 1297 South Naper Blvd., Naperville, IL 60540. 

Every 2 seconds somebody needs blood

The community is encouraged to give the “gift of life” with the knowledge that every two seconds someone needs blood.

Every year, roughly 4.5 million American lives are saved by blood transfusions and with the onset of summer, donations are needed more than ever. 

Blood is the only gift one human being can give to another that cannot be manufactured, and currently, there is no substitute. Donate blood with the knowledge that every donation can save up to three lives.

Bring a family member or friend along. The process takes less than an hour, but knowing you helped save a life and the good feelings that brings to you goes on for a very long time.