Before the big game kicks off this Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, you can make a big impact and help save lives at Chicagoland’s largest American Red Cross blood drive. Hosted at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, IL, the Kevin Joseph Smith Burke Blood Drive is celebrating its 10th year as a powerful community tradition that has already saved thousands of lives.
Since its inception, the drive has collected 1,654 units of blood, helping to save nearly 5,000 lives. But the need for blood remains urgent:
- Blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S.
- Almost 30,000 units are required daily.
- A single car accident victim may need up to 100 units of blood.
- Each blood transfusion requires about three units.
- Only 3% of the U.S. population donates blood.
While older generations have historically carried the responsibility of blood donation, a concerning trend highlights a shortage of younger donors. The average donor age is over 40, and without new participants stepping up, the vital supply of blood could falter.
A Community Unites to Save Lives
The drive began in 2016 as a modest effort, collecting 25 units of blood. By 2018, the event had grown significantly and was dedicated to honoring Kevin Joseph Smith Burke and his family. That year, 150 units of blood were collected, cementing the drive as a cherished Wilmette community event.
Each year, the drive brings together a diverse group of donors, from teenagers as young as 16 to seniors in their late 80s. Those unable to donate still contribute in other ways, volunteering their time and creating a festive atmosphere. Girl Scouts sell hundreds of boxes of cookies, and food, friendship, and goodwill dominate the day.
In 2025, the team is raising the bar with ambitious goals:
- Fill 440 donor slots.
- Collect 400 units of blood, saving up to 1,200 lives.
- Double the participation of younger school family donors to at least 90 units.
- Welcome over 1,000 donors, friends, and families into the Saint Francis Xavier gym.
The drive also supports other charitable initiatives, such as the parish’s sharing program in Haiti and the St. Thomas of Canterbury food pantry.
A Call to Action
Donating blood is a simple, rewarding act that takes less than an hour but can save lives. This event transcends divisions — welcoming people of all backgrounds to come together for a common cause.
As the chronic blood shortage continues, the Kevin Joseph Smith Burke Blood Drive aims to inspire a new generation of donors. As Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
Sign up today at www.redcrossblood.org and join this life-saving mission. Together, on Super Bowl Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Saint Francis Xavier gym, we can make a difference.
More Ways to Help the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is on the ground in Southern California, providing safe shelter, food, emotional support, and health services for those displaced by the wildfires.
- Find a Shelter: Visit redcross.org, use the free Red Cross Emergency App, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999. Arrangements for pets and livestock are available.
- Bring Essentials: If heading to a shelter, bring medications, clothing, hygiene supplies, important documents, and items for children or those with unique needs.
- Emotional Support: Call the free 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for multilingual support.
The Red Cross is also coordinating with local officials and community partners to ensure evacuees receive comprehensive care during this challenging time. Volunteers are distributing meals, setting up temporary housing, and providing critical mental health services to help individuals and families cope with the uncertainty of the situation. Disaster health services are available to address urgent medical needs, including replacing lost prescriptions, medical devices, and essential supplies.
To support relief efforts, donate online, call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.
