06/20/2026
In 1976, Judy Socha (photographed to the far left), who is now the Chairman of the Blood Bank Commission, approached the Village of Addison Board of Trustees with the idea to hold 6 blood drives a year at different locations and to approach different organizations for increased participation. Blood was essential for life-saving measures, and at the time, blood had to be bought or replaced at a rate of 3 pints for every one bag used, making the need for such action great in our community.
The Village Board of Trustees eagerly supported the idea, as did much of our community. Therefore, the commission proceeded, hosting drives in 1977 at Addison Trail High School and the now-closed Driscoll Catholic High School. They have since hosted over 324 blood drives and collected over 36,390 pints of blood.
The Commission has worked tirelessly to meet our community's blood needs, and the Village of Addison would like to commend them for this effort and their unwavering dedication to Addison. On July 1st, this effort will be tackled once again at the Village of Addison with a blood drive taking place on the second floor thanks to the efforts of this commission, including Judy Socha who has been a much-appreciated intermediary for these events.
Thank you, and congratulations on 50 years of successful blood drives! Please join us at the next Blood Drive, coming up on July 1 from Noon to 6 PM at Village Hall. See the flyer for more information.