Woodlands Academy to host memorial blood drive

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on Monday, Sept. 15, from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Gloria Dei Center on the school’s campus, 760 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. For the second consecutive year, this event is being coordinated in honor and memory of Sister Patsy Reiss, a beloved presence at both Woodlands and the formerly adjoining Barat College for many years. (The Gloria Dei Center is the college’s repurposed library building, which stands as the lone remaining Barat campus structure.) Reiss – who passed away Aug. 11, 2024. at age 88 – was an avid blood donor. As campus minister at Barat College, Reiss organized an annual blood drive and spent the days leading up to it stressing the importance of student and staff participation. According to the American Red Cross, donating blood can make a big difference in a small way. Every pint of donated blood can save up to three lives. In addition, donating at this blood drive can help one or more graduating seniors earn a scholarship. Appointments are preferred to participate in Woodlands Academy’s Sept. 15 blood drive. To register, or for more information, visit rcblood.org/3T86Ncg.