SUMMERDALE, Ala. — Take a blood drive, a food drive and a health fair and you have the fourth annual Baldwin EMC “Power of Giving” event. The event will be held Dec. 2 beginning at 7 a.m. and will run to 4 p.m. at the cooperative's offices on Highway 59 in Summerdale.

“It’s something that can do good for both you and the community,” says Karen Moore, Baldwin EMC's vice president of member services and public relations.

“We got 85 pints of blood last year, but the year before, we got 100. We are trying to get back to the 100-pint mark,” said Moore.

The blood donated can truly be lifesaving, and because of the holiday bustle, donations are often down now.

“It’s perhaps a reflection of the economy,” said Moore, referring to the need for donations. She added that donors should be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health.

“We welcome anyone who has not donated blood for at least eight weeks prior to the blood drive,” said Moore.

Donors will receive a breakfast and a t-shirt.

According to the Mayo Clinic Web site, “Each whole blood donation can help as many as three people.” The site also says that about 25 percent of all people will require blood at some point in their lives.

Donors also receive a “mini physical” before donation to ensure that they are in good health.

People donating food will receive a small “thank you” item. The food collected will be donated to Catholic Social Services.

“We are asking for nonperishable food items,” said Moore.

Last year, the food drive collected 500 different items. About 150 people attended the event, which, like last year, will include a health fair.

As of this writing the 80s-themed health fair is slated to include, blood pressure screenings, a muscle imbalance screening, representatives from home health and hospice providers, a massage therapy booth, a demonstration of vibration therapy, bone density screening, a demonstration of cardio exercises, and door prizes.

The entire event is themed to provide help for those who need it during the holiday season, and to give attendees some information about their health.

“The co-op was founded on seven principles, and one of them is to be committed to the community,” said Moore. She added that the “Power of Giving” concept came up at a staff meeting.

The event has grown over the years.

“The first year we had a food drive and a blood drive,” said Moore. “We added the health and wellness part last year.”