North Cook News

For the second time in just over five months, state Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) is hosting a blood drive in partnership with the Palatine Township and Vitalant.

Set for Jan. 19, the event will be held at 721 Quentin S. Road from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm and is by appointment only.

“Donating blood helps save lives,” but too often it’s taken for granted that there will be adequate supplies when necessary,” Morrison told the North Cook News of his decision to become more active in hosting drives ever since COVID-19 hit. “We all need to do our part because people are in constant need and it’s harder for traditional drives to operate.

For the blood donations, spots are limited and residents are encouraged to schedule appointments as soon as possible. As part of the event, food donations for the Palatine Township Food Pantry are also being accepted, with suggested items including Juice Bottles or Boxes, Pancake Mix, Granola Bars, Oatmeal and snacks.

Residents can make an appointment at https://donateblood.lifesource.org/AppointmentScheduling.aspx by entering search code 517D. Morrison has vowed that event organizers will take every safety precaution to keep both volunteers and donors safe.

Serving as the face of the 54th District, Morrison was recently honored with the 2020 Legislator of the Year Award from the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers (ICCBC).

“The need for blood is something that unites us as human beings,” Morrison added in a post to his website. “With all of the tension and turmoil going on in the world today, this is just one positive, life-giving activity we can do as individuals and a community.”

ICCBC was founded in 2002 and is a statewide organization made up of nonprofit blood centers whose mission is to increase awareness of the importance of volunteer blood donation through public education and advocacy.