St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 222 Church Street, Franklin Township, will be hosting a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13.

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.According to Donor Resources Representative Marie D'Amato, this blood drive is being held in memory of Dylan Krum, who passed away of lymphoma at the age of 15, and Gavin Krum, who passed away of leukemia at the age of 14.Both brothers received multiple blood transfusions during the course of their care."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," D'Amato continues. "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.While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome at this blood drive as time permits.For more information or to pre-register for donation, call

484.554.7301 or visit GIVEaPINT.org .