American Red Cross of Illinois

11/16/2025

A heartfelt thank you to Veronica Beard for hosting an inspiring evening earlier this week in Chicago with the Illinois Tiffany Circle that helped raise funds in support of the Red Cross mission. Thank you to host committee members Jenny Gallagher, Daniella Levitt, Val Johnston and Joy Squier for putting on a remarkable event. ❤️

11/15/2025

This week it was Red Cross night at Lincoln Land Community College as dedicated Red Crossers were celebrated, honored and shared the impact of the Red Cross Mission throughout our local communities!

A huge THANK YOU to the Loggers Basketball Teams for welcoming members of the Red Cross and for inviting us to join you!

Looking to make an impact in your community? Visit RedCross.org/Volunteer to find a position that works for you!

11/15/2025

Recently, our amazing volunteers brought Prepare with Pedro to schoolchildren in Plainfield, helping the next generation learn how to stay safe, confident, and ready during emergencies. 🐧✨

A huge thank-you to Lisa Smith, Adam Bulthuis, and our special guest, Pedro the Penguin (brought to life by Alexa!), for your energy, dedication, and heart. Your commitment to teaching kids how to be prepared truly makes a lasting difference!

Prepare with Pedro is a fun and engaging Red Cross preparedness program for grades K–2 that teaches children to BE PREPARED and TAKE ACTION for home fires and local hazards.

The Red Cross offers preparedness programs for all ages:
🔹 Prepare with Pedro for school-aged students
🔹 Be Red Cross Ready for teens and adults

Learn how to stay safe during emergencies 👉 https://rdcrss.org/4otaNSk

Or sign up to volunteer and help teach preparedness in your community at
RedCross.org/Volunteer

11/14/2025

One of the oldest and most powerful Red Cross programs helps reconnect families separated by war, disaster or migration - it’s called Restoring Family Links.

Each year, the American Red Cross helps reconnect hundreds of families separated by war, disaster, or migration around the world. Maybe we can help you, too.

To begin this process, please call our helpline at 844-782-9441 or contact your local Red Cross chapter and ask for our Restoring Family Links program or visit this link: https://rdcrss.org/3XAU17T

11/14/2025

We were honored to have our incredible Evening of Stars Featured Guest, Scott Hamilton, join us yesterday morning to meet with members of the Central Illinois Figure Skating Club!

Members of the club heard personal stories, asked questions, took photos and were inspired by the Olympic Gold Medalist and World Figure Skating Hall of Famer!

We thank Scott for his time, generosity and belief in the American Red Cross Mission throughout the communities we support!

Visit RedCross.org to learn more about the work we do! And visit RedCross.org/Support to learn how you can help!

11/14/2025

Born with a congenital heart condition, Diego has needed three open-heart surgeries in total — at 4 days old, at 4 months old, and again at 2 years old; with each surgery requiring blood products to play a critical role.

“There were days he needed blood to keep fighting,” his mother, Mariela Villalobos said. “I never imagined how important it would be to his recovery.”

Today, Diego is thriving. At 5 years old, he’s living life to the fullest—swimming, wrestling, and practicing karate. Next fall, he’ll start preschool, an incredible milestone for a little boy who has fought so hard.

Over the past year, nearly 500,000 first-time blood donors transformed lives by joining our dedicated national blood donor community — proving that extraordinary impact can come from an ordinary act of generosity.

📌 Read the rest of Diego's incredible journey and learn more about other Red Crossers making an impact: https://rdcrss.org/3DvR9Pw

🎁 Just like disasters, medical emergencies don’t take holidays. During this busy season, it’s critical that we continue meeting the everyday needs of patients. Make an appointment today at RedCrossBlood.org.

11/14/2025

👏 Kudos to Red Crossers Joe & Jody Tomilonus, Greg Lambros, Jannette Blake, Kathryn Dunn, and Brenda Hill who represented the Red Cross at the “Be My Neighbor Event” hosted by the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford.

❤️ These phenomenal Red Crossers engaged community members with Red Cross disaster preparedness resources, blood donor education information, and volunteer opportunities.

Interested in joining us as a volunteer? Visit redcross.org/volunteer

11/14/2025

11/13/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our 30th Annual Evening of Stars, presented by Lead Event Sponsors: State Farm and Lexus of Peoria!

Last night was filled with recognition of local heroes, community support of the Red Cross Mission and wonderful stories from Olympic Gold Medalist and World Figure Skating Hall of Famer Scott Hamilton!

Funds raised from the event will help the Red Cross continue to support those in need through blood collection, disaster response, training services and more in Central Illinois and beyond!

This event was all made possible by our dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors!

🌟 5 STAR SPONSOR 🌟
Wilber

⭐ 3 STAR SPONSORS ⭐
Caterpillar
Cindy Moore
Falstad & Associates Financial Services, LLC
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Illinois Wesleyan University
Jack Lewis Jewelers
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
The Pantagraph
101.5 WBNQ, B104, WJBC
WGLT

Visit RedCross.org to learn more about all the services we provide to local families in need and how YOU can help!

11/13/2025

We want to give a big 👏 Thanks You 👏to Red Crossers Jennifer Richter and Javier Velasquez who represented the Red Cross at the Día de los Mu***os Celebration on Chicago’s near west side. The event was sponsored by the 12th District of the Chicago Police Department.

These two phenomenal Red Crossers engaged community members with Red Cross disaster preparedness resources, blood donor education information, and volunteer opportunities.

Interested in joining volunteers like Jennifer and Javier? Visit redcross.org/volunteer

11/13/2025

🎉 Exciting News! The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago is thrilled to welcome three outstanding leaders to our Board of Directors:

🏈 Karen Murphy, Executive Vice President of Stadium Development and Chief Operating Officer for the Chicago Bears
💼 Rahul Nalgirkar, Deputy Chief Financial Officer for BMO U.S.
🚨 Frank Velez, Executive Director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications

“We are honored to welcome Karen, Rahul, and Frank to our Board of Directors,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Illinois. "Their leadership, compassion, and deep connection to the Chicago community perfectly align with the Red Cross mission. Together, we’ll continue to build a stronger, more resilient region for all who call it home.”

We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to helping us deliver hope, healing, and support when our communities need it most.

The Greater Chicago Chapter proudly serves 7.6 million people across four counties with the guidance of more than 30 civic and corporate leaders.

Meet our full Board here 👉 https://rdcrss.org/440DADF

11/12/2025

As temperatures drop, remember: heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires. 🔥 Stay safe this winter by following these simple space heater tips — and always keep at least three feet of space around anything that gets hot.

Learn more home heating safety tips: redcross.org/fire