The Kalona Optimist Club is holding a Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Drive this afternoon. The drive is being held from 2:30 to 7:30 at the Kalona Mennonite Church.

Their goal is to collect 54 units of blood. As an added incentive any one who donates will be eligible to win a $50 gas card.

According to Christine Heyd with Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, the summer months are a challenging time to get donors to give blood.  If you’re interested in donating you can call Sheryl Miller at (319)656-2425.