Illinois Valley Community College, in collaboration with its Red Cross Club and Student Nurses Association, is organizing a blood drive on October 29th at the college gym from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This drive comes at a crucial time as the Red Cross is urgently seeking donations following hurricanes Milton and Helene. Donors in October will receive a $10 gift card. Appointments are preferred and are easy to make by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.
“Currently the Red Cross is deploying volunteers to the states that were affected by hurricanes to help pass out resources to those in need,” said IVCC Red Cross Club President Hannah Larsen. The local group is determining how it can help more in those relief efforts, she added.
This is the club’s only drive this fall, though members expect to schedule one over Winter Break in Ottawa and more next spring, Larsen said. “Hosting blood drives and being a part of the Red Cross not only allows us to serve our communities but make a difference around the world.”
Larsen, who is a nursing student, enjoys arranging the drives with her team. “It’s rewarding to sit down with our donors and learn about their stories, why they give, and where their donations have made an impact,” she said.