People often say they give their “blood, sweat and tears” to causes they are passionate about and, this weekend, Fountain Hills residents have an opportunity to make good on the first item from that list.

Fountain Hills Noon Kiwanis will host one of their famous local blood drives this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18-19, at the Fountain Hills Community Center. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.

According to the Community Blood Center, the need for blood is greater than ever; it’s actually needed in doctor’s offices, hospitals and the like every two seconds. That equates to about one in every seven people entering a hospital needing blood. Since blood cannot be manufactured, the only way to provide for those in need is through blood drives like the one happening this weekend at the Community Center.

The American Red Cross also points out that donating blood serves as a sort of “mini physical,” checking the participant’s pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin.

If you need further motivation, United Blood Services is this year raffling off a VW Passat R-Line to one lucky donor. All you have to do to enter is donate blood; they’ll take care of the rest.

Don’t forget to set up an appointment before heading down to the Community Center. Just give a call to 1-877-827-4376 or visit BloodHero.com.