Local blood donors help from across country

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Some Central Illinois blood donors are trying to help a little girl hundreds of miles away.

A two-year-old in Florida was diagnosed with cancer. She needs blood transfusions, but has a rare blood type. Donors must have parents who are 100% Pakistani, Iranian or Indian. They almost must have an A or O blood type.

An intern with Community Blood Services in Urbana heard about the story and wanted to help. She reached out to U of I students and has brought in people who could be a match.

“The response is there and it’s great. When they see a face it really makes a difference. But it is important, you know right now we see a 2-year-old little girl’s face, but sometimes we don’t see that face, so it’s important to still continue to donate blood,” says Anna Jinnah.

This story is just one example of how important blood donations are … your donation could help your friend or neighbor.

That’s why we want you come out to our Gift of Life blood drive.

The blood drive will be on Thursday, December 27 from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

You can donate at locations across Central Illinois, including:

URBANA

Lincoln Square Mall at 201 Lincoln Square

Community Blood Services at 1408 W. University Avenue

DANVILLE

Elks Blood Center at 300 Liberty Lane

FORSYTH

Hickory Point Mall at 1146 Hickory Point Mall

SPRINGFIELD