Smith Crossing 'out for blood' Tuesday, June 26

Smith Crossing, 10501 Emilie Ln, Orland Park, IL | Get Directions »
FREE

No, it’s not a vendetta. It’s a humanitarian effort with touch of friendly competition between two area continuing care retirement communities to see who can collect the most blood donations in a day.

Smith Senior Living, sponsor of Smith Crossing in Orland Park and Smith Village in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, is holding simultaneous blood donor drives from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, in conjunction with LifeSource.

Smith Crossing is located at 10501 Emilie Lane in Orland Park (enter at 104th Avenue and 183rd Street), and Smith Village is at 2320 W. 113th Place in Chicago. The process takes about one hour and walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments are recommended by calling LifeSource at 877-543-3768.

“Often, you think of seniors and retirees needing blood, not giving it,” says Smith Senior Living’s employee wellness coordinator Heather Plizga. “But we have plenty of healthy, vibrant residents, employees and family members who are going to donate blood and everyone near one of our campuses is invited to join us that day.”

She has some guidelines for getting ready before an appointment.
•Prepare for donating by eating well and staying hydrated. LifeSource will have free snacks and refreshments for all donors.
•Bring ID with you to the blood drive. It can be a LifeSource or military ID, driver’s license, or employee badge with picture and full name. Birth certificate along with a picture ID that includes the donor’s full name will also be accepted

LifeSource is the largest blood center in Illinois and distributes a half-million blood products annually to approximately 60 area hospitals in meeting the need for patient transfusion therapy. It will be using one of its mobile units to collect donations.

About Smith Senior Living

Smith Crossing and Smith Village provide a comprehensive program of services and amenities as well as apartments for residents needing assisted living or Alzheimer’s and memory support services. Both campuses feature spacious independent living residences with a host of services and amenities, including a generous healthcare package for future needs if they should occur. In addition, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services and accommodations are available on each campus. Smith Village also offers respite care.

Both are highly regarded continuing care retirement communities in the southwestern region of metropolitan Chicago. They make it possible for seniors to enjoy a vibrant, active life or rely on the support and healthcare services they need. They are part of Smith Senior Living, a not-for-profit organization established in 1924 on the site of Smith Village’s new campus.

For more information about how Smith Senior Living can help seniors enjoy their retirement, call Smith Crossing in Orland Park at 708-326-2300 or visit SmithCrossing.org. For Smith Village in Chicago, call 773-474-7300 or visit SmithVillage.org.