The Georgia Mountain Food Bank will hold a food and blood drive on Friday as it hopes to give local and save local.
The event will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the food bank's facility on Calvary Industrial Drive in Gainesville in partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.
"We're accepting canned food and they're accepting your blood," GMFB Executive Director Rebecca Thurman said on Thursday's Mornings on Maine Street. "I personally have a friend who was diagnosed with leukemia this week - blood is such a precious gift."
The food bank will accept food items of various kinds, but Thurman said non-perishables are the most needed, as well as low sugar and low sodium items. A full list of GMFB's most wanted food items is available here.
Those who want to donate blood at the event must bring a photo ID. They must also remember to eat and hydrate before donating. All blood donors will receive a $20 eGift card. Appointments must be made to donate blood, you can make an appointment at this link.
Blood donors will receive a recognition item and a free cholesterol screening. Donors must be 16 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds. Those who are 16 will need written parental permission.
