Once again, Baldwin EMC is calling on members of the community to celebrate the season of giving by rolling up their sleeves to save lives. The co-op will host the 16th annual Power of Giving blood and food drive at the Baldwin EMC headquarters office in Summerdale on Thursday, Nov. 18.

“Our theme this year is ‘Hometown Heroes Unite,’” said Baldwin EMC Vice President of Corporate Services and Public Relations Mark Ingram. “In the midst of all the uncertainty and unexpected events of the past 18 months, we’ve seen heroes appear at every turn. We want to celebrate those everyday heroes, and hope they inspire others in the community to become heroes themselves with a donation. For anyone who thinks one blood donation can’t make much of a difference, we want to stress that each donation can save up to three lives. And all the donations collected through LifeSouth stay right here in our community. We hope everyone will consider stopping by to roll up your sleeve.”

Staff members from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will be set up in Baldwin EMC’s Training Center in Summerdale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In order to give blood, you must be in good health, 17 years of age or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and show a valid photo I.D. Questions about whether or not you can donate should be directed to LifeSouth at (251) 621-9644.

Baldwin EMC will also be accepting non-perishable food donations during the event. These items will be distributed through local agencies to needy families in the community.