Lifesource

Have been giving blood to LifeSource at a local venue about every quarter for about 25 years. Was turned down today because I had returned 10 days earlier from a Cancun resort hotel vacaction. «So sorry, it’s a new rule. Come bacj next year» they said. My respose was «So, sorry .we go for a week to Cancun every year so I’ll never be able to give again!»
John Thomas, Donor #426 003

I worked here as a teenager (back in the day) in the telemarketing department. My role was to ask people for their blood… yes I was a vampire!!! In all seriousness, this was a great summer job. They paid well (for that time), and the job itself was easy. With the job also came the pressure to donate blood myself. I tried one time… and ended up fainting in the hallway. That was the beginning and end of that! The employees there were a ton of fun, and I had a really sweet manager.

This Lifesource branch is closest to my work, but I’m not sure if they’re the ones who actually staff the blood drives in the building. Let’s go with it, though.
I try to donate every quarter, which is when they come to the office park. I admit to some failings, though; I just gave again last week after not having tried since March.
My experience in March was disappointing. They stuck me several times in both arms, left a huge bruise on my left arm, and then told me I couldn’t give. But it went better last week, although I have to put my foot down from here on out: my left arm never works out. I’ve yet to have a tech successfully draw from my left arm.
But they did get my right arm smoothly and the first time, after consulting with a few people. Maybe I’m being a pain, but come on, I’m giving blood out of the goodness of my heart, can’t you try to leave me mostly bruise-​less? I’ve had some good interactions with staff and a few not-​as-​good. But the Brighten Life program is nice, and I know how important giving blood is, so I’ll keep doing it as much as possible.

LifeSource is sweetening the pot, as it were, trying to attract more blood donations. They’ve instituted a Brighten Life program (
) whereby people get benefits based on amount of donations. Like free cholesterol checks and points redeemable at their online store. Members are encouraged to donate every quarter, but aren’t obligated to do so.
Also, LifeSource has been running consistent promotions for donors. I just went this weekend, and was entered into a drawing to win Blackhawks tickets — plus I got a 12% off discount coupon from Abt Electronics (which is across the street). This is above and beyond the standard reward, the «you’re saving three lives with each donation» one.
And still: plenty of free juice and snacks afterwards. Bonus: besides Oreos, they now also offer Matt’s chocolate chunk cookies (much better than Oreos).

I’d say that this is the nicest LifeSource location that I’ve been to so far. The facility is big, clean and the snacks here are the best. When I went they had Matt’s cookies. Mmmmm…
The blood donation process isn’t the most fun thing to do, but it’s really not all that bad. Plus, donating blood burns something like 650 calories (according to the Mayo Clinic), so you can do it just for that reason… well, at least you won’t have to feel guilty about the juice and cookies.

People need blood. Go Donate!