The Granada Hills Chapter of Rotary International is teaming up with The American Youth Soccer Organization Region #8 (AYSO), and the Granada Hills Recreation Center for a major blood drive Saturday September 26^th. “Rotary is one of the world’s largest service organizations with over 1.2 million members. The Granada Hills Chapter of Rotary International is involved in numerous community service projects throughout the year and the AYSO blood drive is but one of them”, said Jay Bolton of Granada Hills Rotary.

The event will feature a Providence Holy Cross/Kaiser Medical Center blood drive, pancake breakfast, blood pressure screening and other healthcare exhibits. Child fingerprinting by PALS and a CERT, emergency response, program will also be available. Sandy Hibarger of Providence Holy Cross commented, “We at Providence Holy Cross count on the community for their support to ensure that we have an adequate blood supply at all times. Granada Hills Rotary, American Youth Soccer Organization and Los Angeles Recreation and Parks are one of many groups doing their part.”

The blood drive and expo will take place between 8:00am and 4:00pm Saturday, September 26^th at the Granada Hills Recreation Center, 16730 Chatsworth St, in Granada Hills. The public is welcomed and is encouraged to sign up to donate blood at ghrc.givesblood.org.

The AYSO league consists of some 100 youth soccer teams with some 1000 players and each team will be competing for prizes based on how many adult donors sign up to donate blood in each team’s name. “AYSO is a non-profit all-volunteer organization providing fun and enjoyment of the game of soccer for all children ages 4 to 18 years old. As a volunteer organization, AYSO encourages parents and players to participate in local community services throughout the San Fernando region, such as the upcoming Blood Drive and Health Expo.” states Althea John, AYSO Region #8 Commissioner.

Jim Feffer of Granada Hills Rotary and AYSO sums up the event, “AYSO, Granada Hills Rotary and the Granada Hills Recreation Center are committed to programs that are youth oriented and fosters strong community involvement. Sponsoring this blood drive does both. It gives young people the opportunity to join with seasoned hands to improve the health of our community and we look forward to a great event with wide participation.”