Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, Heartland Blood Centers team up for blood drive in downtown Joliet on Jan. 30

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January 7

JOLIET – Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow is pleased to announce that his office once again is partnering with Heartland Blood Centers and Joliet mom Jennifer Babec to host a blood drive in downtown Joliet.

SAVE THE DATE:  The next Taylor Babec Community Blood Drive will be from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, 121 N. Chicago Street, across the street from the historic Rialto Square Theatre.

Taylor Babec (center) and her mother, Jennifer Babec (left), talk with WCCQ’s Carol McGowan during a live broadcast at a 2012 blood drive at the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office in downtown Joliet.

Anyone who works in or visits downtown Joliet is encouraged to take 30 minutes to donate blood on Jan. 30. Appointments can be made by calling Jennifer Babec at (815) 325-4282 or by visiting Heartland Blood Centers at www.heartlandbc.org. Walk-in donors also are welcome.

Everyone who signs up to donate blood will receive a coupon for a free cup of soup or white bean turkey chili at The Department Restaurant, 205 N. Chicago St.  Donuts and coffee will be available throughout the day.

Jennifer Babec’s young daughter, Taylor, required 22 blood transfusions that restored her health and her spirits during her successful battle against lymphoma several years ago. Taylor’s cancer is in remission, but Jennifer continues to coordinate drives so there is an ample supply for others who need transfusions. She currently is Heartland’s top volunteer coordinator.

“We are pleased to work with such great partners to provide blood for those in their time of need,” Glasgow said. “It’s gratifying that so many people who visit or work in downtown Joliet are willing to take a little time out of their busy day to help others right here in our community.”Heartland Blood Centers supplies blood to nearly 170,000 patients each year – people who lost blood during surgery or because of an accident, people who have cancer or severe anemia.  Without our help, Heartland Blood Centers cannot meet the needs of these patients with the 600 pints that are required daily. Heartland is the sole provider of blood and blood products for Silver Cross Hospital and Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center.