Lighthouse Baptist Church, 1349 Green Street, Lehighton, will be hosting a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27.

The blood drive is being held in conjunction with Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the only blood provider to 27 regional hospitals including the Blue Mountain Health System, Schuylkill Health System, the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance, St. Luke's University Health Network and the Lehigh Valley Health Network."The Summer months are a difficult time for community blood centers, as holiday activity, increased travel and family vacations, combined with accidents and seasonal illnesses, often prevent people from donating," explains Donor Resources Representative Marie D'Amato. "However, more than 500 units of blood are needed by our regional hospitals every day to care for premature infants, accident victims, cancer patients, and others in need of lifesaving transfusions. We encourage all eligible blood donors to schedule a donation at this time."In order to donate, individuals must be 17 years of age or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be feeling healthy; they must not have donated in the past eight weeks.All donors must also provide valid identification; ID must have the donor's name printed on it, as well as a photo and/or signature.Individuals registering to donate at this, or any MKBC community blood drives or MKBC donor center, during the month of July can register for the chance to win one of two $100 gas cards drawn weekly.While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome at this blood drive.For more information or to pre-register for donation, call

610.393.3303..