The International WeLoveU Foundation, in partnership with Versiti, hosted a blood drive on Sunday, February 14, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center in Naperville, IL. 

While the weather outside was reading freezing temperatures of zero and one degree Fahrenheit, downtown Naperville was bustling with the WeLoveU and Versiti volunteers despite frigid temperatures.  

Donating Warm Love Despite Cold Temperatures

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 130,000 fewer blood donations have caused a severe blood supply shortage. Different chapters across the nation hosted blood drives as part of the WeLoveU’s National Blood Drive campaign to address the dire need for blood supply. The local chapter in Naperville also joined in the campaign to donate love by donating blood. Altogether, 95 blood units were donated, resulting in potentially saving 285 lives! 

Safely Donating Blood to Save Three Lives

The safety of donors and volunteers is a top priority with the ongoing pandemic. Pre-registration for an appointment-only blood donation was encouraged to ensure that the prospective donors could practice physically distanced seating as they waited to give their blood. This step helped maintain a limited number of donors in the waiting area outside the donation center room.

Donors waited a maximum of 15 minutes before seeing a Versiti phlebotomist. If their appointment were more than a 15-minute wait, they would remain in their vehicles and return closer to their allotted time. Following the CDC’s guidelines, other safety precautions were taken, such as wearing a mask and proper sanitation. 

Through the blood drive, WeLoveU volunteers wanted the community to know that while the times are different now more than ever before, the need to spread love is always at the core of what the International WeLoveU Foundation does in each of its initiatives and campaigns.