Superheroes for Hope blood drive is a fun, free family event that saves lives

LifeSouth and Phalanx Defense Systems invite the community to an exciting family event that is free and open to the public. The Phalanx Superheroes for Hope blood drive will be held on Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the parking lot of LifeSouth’s donor center at 4039 Newberry Road in Gainesville. Kids and adults alike can beat the summertime blues and mingle with some of their favorite superheroes. The Batmobile, The Hulk, The Mystery Machine and Iron Man armor will be available for epic photo ops. Saving lives can make you hungry, so super food trucks Ahar Indian Food, B'z Gelati, Charcoal Grill, Miller's Funnel Cakes and Soup to Nuts will be on site.

Like a comic book superhero, blood donors are responsible for making sure the community is safe. Patients in local hospitals rely on blood donors to ensure that blood is available when they need it. Just one donation can save up to three lives! The blood donated at LifeSouth stays local, making it possible to be the superhero that Gainesville needs just by rolling up your sleeve. Give local, save local. Please give blood.

Blood donors must be at least 17 (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is also required. For more information on donating blood, call toll-free 888-795-2707 or visit lifesouth.org.