...but there was no official drive in Chicago. Of course, I called the Red Cross number, sure there was a local office that I could visit and donate blood. But no ... the RC has 1 office -- 1 office! -- in the entire state where you can actually go to give blood.
It's in Peoria -- not hundreds of miles away from Chicago, but still not very convenient.
There was a drive next week in Elk Grove Village, very close to work, but I'll be in NYC conducting a couple interviews for upcoming feature coverage in the magazine.
So, I donated money to the Red Cross instead.
But I'm not giving up on donating blood -- there is a company here called Lifesource that has actual branch buildings where you can walk in and donate blood! What a concept! They have 22 -- count 'em, 22! -- donor centers in the Chicago area.
Mary Beth at youchoose.com said her RC drive was pretty unorganized -- maybe the RC will have a better handle on it for the drive in September.
And how fortuitous -- I just got new glasses and prescription sunglasses, so I will join the Blood Ties/Lions Club drive for glasses donations. I usually donate my old glasses anyway, so this will cover 2 causes at once.
OK, tonight is the return of Moonlight -- FINALLY! -- so I need to stock up on provisions...