SOUTH FORK — Now is the time to sign up for the annual South Fork Blood Drive. May 8 is just around the corner and there are just a few weeks left to register for the event. Blood donated at this drive stays close to home to help community members throughout the San Luis Valley in case of an emergency.

According to Vitalant representative and local blood drive coordinator Karen Miller, South Fork will be hosting its annual drive later this year and will be one of three events that gives donors the opportunity to give blood.

The blood drive is Saturday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the South Fork Community Building.

This event is open to the public. All donors will automatically be entered for a chance to win a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

“The first of three Valley blood drives will be coming up on Saturday, May 8 at the South Fork Community Building,” organizers stated. “It’s our same great blood drive, the same great nurses and it accomplishes the same great things for our community. Blood donation makes a monumental impact on the lives of people across the country and here locally. A lot of you have generously volunteered your time to come donate and make such a difference. Let’s have a lot more folks participate. Everyone that donates at this event gets a ticket to put in a drawing for a Harley motorcycle.”

Vitalant is asking people to remain home if they are feeling sick and to use best practices while donating blood.

“If a donor shows symptoms of COVID, they will not be seen, and a drive can be shut down,” organizers stated. “If you are sick, please stay home and follow best practices from local health officials. It is best for donors to make an appointment so we can abide by social distancing rules and masks are required by donors and staff.”

All donors will also need their ID or donor cards to donate. Local blood donation makes a monumental impact on the lives of people across the country and here locally.

“A lot of you have generously volunteered your time to come donate and make such a difference in the past and for that we thank you,” organizers stated.

Sign up at www.bloodhero.com, sponsor code: southfork or contact Miller, 719-873-5466 or [email protected].