Union Baptist Church of Picayune will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, May 23 from 3 to 8 p.m. in the church’s gymnasium.

Event coordinator Terry Shaw said the church holds the blood drive twice a year in the spring and fall.

“Our senior citizen group started this about 30 years ago and we have been doing this ever since,” Shaw said.

He said the purpose of the drive is to help church and community members who are unable to pay for the expenses involved in receiving blood for medical reasons.

Shaw said if the donor is not a member of the church, they will still be eligible to receive blood in a medical emergency through the United Blood Service from Hattiesburg.

To make an appointment for donation, visit www.bloodhero.com and enter sponsor code: unionbaptist.

Shaw said he recommends donors visit the website and complete the fast track health history questionnaire which would help them save time on the day of the drive.

Donors will also be eligible to receive a voucher for free items from the United Blood Services rewards store.

For more details about the drive contact Shaw at 228-493-1165.