Jimmy Esch Memorial Blood Drive Kicks Off Thursday At Worth Township Center

ALSIP, IL — Sonny and Terri Esch are hosting their third annual blood drive in memory of their son, Jimmy Esch, who died in 2019. Jimmy faced a life of medical challengers and died at age 27.

Supported by the Community Blood Center, the Jimmy Esch Blood Drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, June 26. The blood drive will be held at Worth Township Center, 11601 S. Pulaski Road (116th Street and Pulaski Road), Alsip.

Jimmy was a loyal and avid Cubs and Bears fan. He enjoyed Disney movies and watching Dancing With the Stars, who is missed by all who loved him. Despite his health challenges, people describe him as “pure joy.”

“Jimmy was the sweetest boy and full of pure love. He has been through sooooo much that most people can’t endure, and that just shows how much incredible strength dear Jimmy had,” read a condolence message from a family friend. “He had the MOST loving and caring family in the world, and it SHOWS by how sweet and loving Jimmy was despite all the hardships and challenges he had endured. Jimmy was a little champ and God blessed him with courage, patience and strength. He had so much love for his family and was such a great role model for all of us. Sweet Jimmy will be so greatly missed.”

The Jimmy Esch Blood Drive is part of the blood center’s “Summer Tour For All Types” campaign, which highlights the urgent need for blood donations during the summer months.

Donors can reserve a time to make a blood donation online or by calling 800-280-4102.. Walk-ins are welcome, depending on availability.

CBC hosts more than 100 blood drives every month in the Chicago area. The Community Blood Center is a member of America’s Blood Centers and Blood Centers of America, which are networks of independent community-based, not-for-profit blood centers supporting the blood needs for approximately 60 percent of the United States.