Great Chicago Blood Drive: How to find the Merchandise Mart location

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Planning to donate blood downtown Wednesday? Here's what you need to know about finding the blood drive's Merchandise Mart location!

The donation center can be easily accessed from public transit as well as by walking up to the front door.

If you enter the Merchandise Mart along the Chicago River, you'll walk straight past the elevators and turn right down the long hallway. Eventually you'll see Red Cross volunteers and signs at another set of elevators. Take those elevators up to the 7th floor and you'll have arrived!

Taking the L? When you walk into the Merchandise Mart off the train platform, keep going straight--you'll see the Red Cross signs and volunteers almost immediately.

You can register on line at RedCrossBlood.org or by using the Red Cross's mobile app. Walk-ins are also welcome! Everyone can use the "Rapid Pass" platform day-of to fill out forms more quickly.

The Great Chicago Blood Drive runs Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at both the Merchandise Mart and Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

Holly Baker, from the American Red Cross, stressed the need for blood donations right now, saying supplies are low. This, Baker, explained, is due to people focusing on the holidays. Further, as people become ill in the winter cold, they cannot donate blood so the number of donors dwindles.

"We really need everybody to come out, roll up a sleeve, and help save lives," said Baker.