The Lake Zurich Fire Department to Host Blood Drive

The heavy snow and bitter cold this winter have put a major strain on supplies at Chicagoland blood banks, as donations have dropped sharply because of cancelled blood drives and missed appointments due to the ongoing inclement weather. To assist in replenishing the supply, the Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department and Local 3191 are joining with LifeSource and their “Everyday Heroes” program to host a blood drive on Saturday, April 12 from 9 am to 3 pm at Station One located at 321 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60647-2862.“We are encouraging those who can in the community to come out and help us by donating blood,” said Lake Zurich Fire Chief David Wheelock. “We will be raffling a ‘Ride to School on a Fire Engine,’ a ‘Firehouse Dinner for Four Prepared by Firemen’ and an autographed poster of the cast of the tv show, Chicago Fire, to donors that day.”Not only will the blood donations touch the lives of those in our community, but LifeSource will be donating back to “Everyday Heroes” through the Illinois Fire Chiefs Education and Research Foundation Scholarship program for firefighters seeking higher education. Morning coffee will be provided to donors by Marianos and during lunch hours there will be pizza provided by Chaser’s Bar and Grill. There will also be various public education activities and firehouse tours. Anyone interested in giving blood can schedule an appointment by calling 847-540-5070. Walk-ins are also welcome. Donors not able to attend that day can visit any LifeSource Donor Center or mobile drive and provide the group code “LZ32” to credit their donation to the Everyday Heroes Program. Donors should drink plenty of water, eat well—especially items rich in iron—and bring a form of identification such as a driver’s license, military ID, or birth certificate along with a picture ID. Sixteen-year-olds may donate with written parental consent, otherwise donors must be 17. There is no age limit and blood donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.