This year we were able to raise 2,272 units of blood over two days. ABC7 would like to thank everybody who came out and donated during this event.
Blood can be safely donated every 56 days so the opportunity to mark calendars for January and help save lives by donating blood is now! ABC 7 Meteorologist Cheryl Scott and Host/Reporter Hosea Sanders will be part of the station's live coverage once again this year.
The second day of the Great Chicago Blood Drive brought out hundreds more people to donate the life-saveing gift of blood.
"Every year we set our blood donation goals higher and we are grateful and amazed by how our viewers donate to the Great Chicago Blood Drive. It always exceeds expectations, and we are thankful to our partners, the American Red Cross, and to everyone in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana. Together we are committed to saving lives, and making a difference through our giving," said John Idler, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago.
"For many years, the American Red Cross has joined with ABC 7 for the Great Chicago Blood Drive," said Celena Roldán, CEO of the Illinois Red Cross. "This has become the largest Red Cross blood drive in the country and it enables people to give of themselves and help others through blood donation. ABC 7 viewers from all over our city and suburbs come to donate and make an impact. This year the drive will take place across the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana areas in seven locations on January 11th and 12th."
Double organ transplant recipient gives back with blood donations
This is the 9th year ABC 7 Chicago and the American Red Cross will have joined forces for the Great Chicago Blood Drive, setting the bar as the largest Red Cross blood drive in the entire country.
Even a pandemic didn't stop the determination of ABC 7 viewers who came out in large numbers to donate. The response to ABC 7's live coverage of the drive was so remarkable that the blood drive will be expanded to seven locations over two days in the Chicago area.
WATCH | Blood donor honors father by encouraging others to give blood
Encouraging people to donate blood
Blood donations, especially in the winter months, are critical. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, yet the American Red Cross estimates that only 3 percent of the population actually donates. All blood types are needed and a single blood donation can save more than one life!
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Make yours now at RedCrossBlood.org Sponsor Code: ABC7Chicago As always, people can also call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment. They can also make an appointment via the Red Cross Blood Donor App which can be downloaded from the app store.
All presenting donors will receive a free ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive t-shirt, while supplies last.
Create new beginnings and energy for those in need. Donate blood with the American Red Cross at The ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive. Again, appointments are strongly encouraged.
ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive 2023 locations
All hours are 7 A.M to 7 P.M.
Wednesday, January 11th:
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Foglia YMCA
1025 N Old McHenry Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Highland Parks and Recreation Fieldhouse
2450 Lincoln St, Highland, IN 46322
Thursday, January 12th:
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Chicago
1800 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477
CSO Multiplex
1301 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
North Township Social Center at Wicker Park
2215 Ridge Rd, Highland, IN 46322
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