The local blood drive event is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Melkonian’s State Farm Insurance office at 5507 Morton Rd.

The need for blood is great and the Saturday’s atmosphere is festive. The event will feature live music from Texas TNT, food trucks, action heroes, a “dunk” tank and a host of giveaways.

Those who donate blood will also receive a towel.

Cameron Palmer, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center public relations specialist, said the center is a community provider.

“The need is always constant, and there is no substitute for blood,” Palmer said. “We rely heavily on donors to fulfill our lifesaving mission, which helps a variety of people, including accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies, and more. We need to collect 1,000 units of blood every day to meet the demand of our 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county area. One blood donation can save many lives and truly help those in need.”

Melkonian said the blood drive allows people to positively impact the community and potentially save a life.

“We are encouraging everyone to schedule their blood donation and encourage family and friends to do the same,” Melkonian said. “This act of kindness is one of the most generous gifts someone can give – the lifesaving gift of blood.”

To register to donate blood, visit the website https://bit.ly/3w3sAFR.