Darvin Blood Drive donations could save up to 111 lives

On Sunday, August 17, Darvin Furniture & Mattress, Chicagoland’s largest furniture and mattress store and a proud 100  percent employee‑owned business, opened its Orland Park showroom to host a blood drive in partnership with Versiti Blood Centers, aiming to help relieve the critical shortage of blood in the region. The Versiti mobile donation unit was stationed just outside the main entrance from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing a convenient opportunity for patrons and residents to give life‑saving donations.

Forty‑three people registered to donate and, after a few were deferred, Versiti collected 39 usable units, comprising 31 whole‑blood donations and 8 double red blood cell units. With each donation having the potential to save up to three lives, the total haul could translate into as many as 111 lives saved. Tracey Jaramillo, a Senior Account Representative at Versiti, praised the drive, noting that the impact extended well beyond the numbers by raising awareness of the ongoing need for blood and strengthening Darvin’s community ties.

To encourage participation, Darvin offered a raffle to all donors featuring enticing prizes such as gift cards for BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and Seasons 52, along with a Fogo de Chao gift bag.  Darvin President Will Harris underscored that this initiative reflects the company’s enduring commitment to its community, rooted in more than a century of service and stewardship.

Employees themselves were among the donors, but the majority of contributions came from regional residents, illustrating the ripple effect of leadership in service. Jaramillo emphasized that when businesses step up to host such events, it sets a powerful example, fostering a spirit of social responsibility that directly benefits local hospitals and patients in need.

In a time when blood cannot be manufactured and cannot be indefinitely stored, community‑driven drives like this one become indispensable for maintaining a safe and reliable supply. Darvin’s life‑saving effort on August 17 made a profound difference, not only by potentially saving up to 111 lives, but also by illuminating how a longstanding local institution can rally neighbors in the collective effort to support those facing critical medical needs.

About Darvin

More than 100 years old, Darvin® Furniture has grown from humble beginnings into a top 100 furniture retailer in the U.S. The company is now 100% employee-owned and operates a 220,000 sq.-ft. showroom on a 13-acre campus at 15400 S. La Grange Rd., in Orland Park, Illinois. Darvin offers a vast selection of furniture, mattresses, rugs, and home accessories, along with free design services and a commitment to customer satisfaction. (708) 460-4100.

(Sponsored by Darvin Furniture & Mattress)