GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, will be hosting a blood drive on Aug. 17 from 2 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Zion Park District located at 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive in Zion.

“With the current public health crisis, donating blood is more important than ever,” said Mason. “Each blood donation has the potential to save three lives, and there is a constant need.”

The blood drive will be at the Zion Park District at 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive in Zion and will last from 2 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Preferred appointment times can be scheduled by calling or texting 815-271-2910 or by downloading the Versiti app. People can also schedule an appointment time and learn about other nearby blood donation opportunities at versiti.org/IL. Donors will also receive a free beach towel while supplies last.

“Blood donations will be used to save lives within our local community as well as being sent to Veteran’s Hospitals throughout the Chicagoland area,” said Mason. “Donating blood is a simple way to big difference and save lives.”

Throughout her time in the General Assembly, Mason has worked tirelessly to give back to her community through her legislation and by hosting events such blood drives, supply drives, and informational seminars. People can learn about more upcoming events on Mason’s website at repjoycemason.com/events.

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To connect veterans with local, state and federal resources, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will be holding a Veterans’ Fair in conjunction with a Community Blood Drive. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the American Legion Post 365, located at 1022 Vandalia St. in Collinsville.

“Those who have served our country deserve to be aware of all of the programs and services we can offer to them here at home,” said Stuart. “In Springfield, I work on legislation to improve professional, educational, and health services for veterans’ and their family members. However, it’s equally important to raise awareness about the great resources we have locally for veterans to get help as soon as they need it.”

Stuart’s Veterans’ Fair will host various local program and service providers. While the services are primarily for veterans, people of all ages can attend to receive information that can benefit their families and neighbors. While at the fair, attendees can donate blood through the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Appointments to donate can be made at www.bloodcenterimpact.org/donor. In addition to vendors, a representative from Stuart’s office will be collecting old cell phones to donate to the program ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers.’ This event is open to the public and free to attend, no RSVP required.

“By gathering all of these organizations and services under one roof, the Veterans’ Fair will act as a one-stop-shop for a variety of questions anyone may have,” said Stuart. “I’d like to thank all of the organizations dedicating their time to set up a table at the fair and educate our community.”

If you are interested in registering your organization as a vendor, contact Stuart’s constituent service office at RepKatieStuart@gmail.com or 618-365-6650. Vendor registration will end on Oct. 30.