American Red Cross of Illinois

⚠️❄️ Important safety reminder! Please remember to drive slow and maintain a safe distance when driving in winter conditions. 🚗 Don't follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.

To the thousands of amazing volunteers across the Illinois region – THANK YOU! 🙌 Your dedication and support make the Red Cross mission possible. Because of YOU, the #RedCross is always ready to respond where it’s needed most. ❤️ Here’s to a #HappyNewYear and another incredible year of service in #2025! Together, we’ll continue making a difference—down the street, across the country, and around the world. 🌍 Ready to join this incredible team? Visit: RedCross.org/Volunteer

Many areas in our region are feeling the effects of a winter storm today, bringing extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. These conditions can disrupt transportation, power, heat, and communication and may lead to closures of schools, stores, and workplaces. Stay safe with these tips: 🧤 Stay warm: If you must go outside, dress in layers and cover your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes to prevent frostbite. 🚨 Prepare your vehicle: Keep emergency supplies in your car, including a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots. 📕 Learn emergency skills: Knowing first aid and CPR can make a difference if emergency services are delayed. 📳 Stay connected: Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor weather updates. Download winter storm safety checklists and fact sheets here: https://rdcrss.org/4a8oEad

In partnership with Deputy Keltner's wife, Rebecca Keltner, we are honored to host the Sixth Annual Jake Keltner Memorial Blue Blood Drive on Saturday, January 11th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sage YMCA in Crystal Lake, IL. On March 7, 2019, 35-year-old McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy and special agent for the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, Jake Keltner, tragically lost his life in the line of duty. During his time in the hospital, he received multiple units of blood that helped stabilize his condition and allowed his wife to be by his side. These transfusions also made it possible for him to donate his tissue, bones, and heart valves, saving even more lives. Deputy Keltner was dedicated to his community, and his family continues his legacy by giving back in his memory. We encourage donors to make an appointment ahead of time. To reserve your spot, visit www.redcrossblood.org, search by ZIP code, or use sponsor code "Keltner." Let’s come together to honor Deputy Keltner’s life and legacy through the gift of blood.

🌟 Meet Aparnaa Ananthakrishnan, a Northwestern sophomore making a BIG difference through blood donation and community leadership. Inspired by her family and faith, Aparnaa is proving that anyone—no matter their age or schedule—can help save lives. 🩸💪 As the president of the Red Cross Club, she’s rallying her peers to give back, organizing blood drives, and leading by example. Aparnaa has already made her appointment for the ABC 7 Great Chicago Blood Drive —have you? Join Aparnaa in making a life-saving impact. Schedule your appointment today: https://rdcrss.org/4fWvbqt

Looking for a meaningful New Year’s resolution? Join us in making a difference by becoming a Red Cross volunteer in 2025. 🌟 Locally, over 5,000 incredible volunteers responded to more than 1,600 disasters last year, providing relief, comfort, and hope. 🌟 Nationwide, nearly 275,000 Red Cross volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, supporting disaster victims, delivering lifesaving blood products, assisting military families, and so much more. This year, resolve to make an impact. 💪 Volunteer with us and help change lives in your community. 👉 Learn more and get involved: RedCross.org/Volunteer.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our incredible team of Red Crossers who, in the middle of the night, left the warmth of their homes to bring comfort and care to those displaced by the apartment building fire on South Lake Shore Drive. Your unwavering dedication ensures that no one faces such moments alone. If you or someone you know has been affected by this fire, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The strength of the American Red Cross comes from you—our generous donors, tireless volunteers, dedicated employees, passionate board members, and incredible community partners. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve touched thousands of lives this year, providing hope and help when it was needed most. As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we invite you to reflect on some of the proudest and most inspiring moments from our region in 2024. Together, we’ve accomplished so much—and we’re just getting started. ✨ Join us in celebrating the impact we’ve made together: https://rdcrss.org/3DvR9Pw

In 2022, St. Louis Police Officer Colin Ledbetter was injured in the line of duty causing extensive damage, blood loss and the stoppage of his heart. Thanks to the generosity of blood donors, Colin was able to recieve 39 units of blood products in order to restart his heart and help save his life. Inspired by the constant need for blood donations, the Ledbetter Family and the Vandalia Rotary Club began hosting an annual Red Cross Blood Drive that has since collected 316 units of blood for those in need! The 4th Annual Drive in honor of Colin and First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7 at the Vandalia Moose Lodge, 328 South 3rd St in Vandalia, IL. Visit https://rdcrss.org/41RiCsJ, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App to make your appointment to donate today! Visit https://rdcrss.org/4fIk0RJ to learn more about Colin and his journey to recovery!

Home fires don't take a break for the holidays and neither do Red Cross Volunteers! A huge THANK YOU to volunteers like Angela Keller, Guy Hathaway and Chloe Unmisig who recently responded to a home fire in Dunlap and helped provide care, comfort and assistance to those in need! The Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes, and our volunteers are always ready to help. Visit RedCross.org/Volunteer to learn more about how you can make a difference for those in need both in your community and across the country!