Great Chicago Blood Drive Starts This Week

Chicago-area residents can save lives by donating blood. The 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive begins soon. It partners with the American Red Cross for easy donation spots.

Donors can give blood only every eight weeks, per U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules. Just three days remain to sign up for these events.

Donation Schedule

Day 1: Both sites open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Highland Parks and Recreation, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, Indiana 46322
• Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, 60654
• Mokena Community Park District at the Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center, 10847 W. La Porte Road, Mokena, Illinois 60448

Day 2: All sites open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Highland Parks and Recreation, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, Indiana 46322
• Hyatt Regency Schaumburg Chicago, 1800 E Golf Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
• Imani Village, 901 E. 95th St., Chicago, Illinois 60619
• Foglia YMCA, 1025 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047

Book appointments online or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Why Donate? Real Stories

Young patients like Madelyn Marino need blood transfusions. Diagnosed with leukemia at 23 months old, she got her first transfusion on day one of treatment. Her blood counts were very low, leaving her tired and weak. After seven days in the hospital, multiple transfusions helped her start chemo safely.

Now 5 years old, Madelyn is cancer-free. Her mom says donations made recovery possible. Regular donors like Janet Jarvis keep supplies ready for kids and adults facing emergencies, surgeries, or illnesses.

Mark January 14 and 15 on your calendar. One donation can help up to three people. Roll up your sleeve to be a hero.