The Palos Park Woman’s Club has brought the community together for 13 years to support a cause that reaches far beyond Palos Park: helping save lives one blood donation at a time.
The club hosted its 13th annual community blood drive Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Palos Park Recreation Center, 8901 W. 123rd St. Sponsored by Auriello’s Pizza in Palos Heights, the event welcomed residents and community members who wanted to make a difference for patients in need.
The first donor of the day was Orland Park resident Marie Carnevale, a nurse at Rush University. Carnevale said donating blood was a cause she strongly supported.
“I believe that it is important to donate,” Carnevale said.
That same commitment to helping others was shared by Mary Ann Parkins, the club’s International Outreach Chairman and Blood Drive Chairman, who has made the annual event a personal passion.
Parkins spent 31 years working as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island. Her years in health care gave her firsthand insight into the importance of blood donations and the difference they can make for patients and their families.
“This is something that we need. It helps people going through cancer, those who have been in car accidents and so many others,” Parkins said.
Organizing the blood drive is a meaningful way for Parkins to give back and support a cause that holds a special place in her heart.
“I get excited about my blood drive. I enjoy doing things that help others,” she said.
“Our blood drive has been very successful each year,” Parkins added.
Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters also attended the event and supported the effort by donating blood. Other community members who donated included former Palos Park Mayor John Mahoney, Palos Park Police Commissioner Dan Polk and Larry Wisowaty of the Palos Park Newcomers Welcoming Committee.
The annual blood drive has become a longstanding tradition for the Woman’s Club, providing an opportunity for residents to come together in support of patients who depend on donated blood. Whether recovering from an accident, undergoing cancer treatment or facing another medical challenge, patients rely on the generosity of blood donors.
After 13 years, the message behind the event remains the same: Giving a little of yourself can mean everything to someone else.
