Victoria Harley-Davidson Blood Drive Saturday

The Victoria Harley-Davidson Blood Drive will help local cancer patient Mark Dean during its 17th annual blood drive Saturday. The drive, hosted by the Victoria Harley Owners Group, Victoria Harley-Davidson and the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Victoria Harley-Davidson, 608 N. Moody St., according to a news release from the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. Blood drive organizers have dedicated this year's blood drive to carry out their mission of saving lives through Dean. "The blood drive was originally inspired by HOG member Tony Borowicz after his battle with kidney failure in 1997," Dawn Euton of Victoria Harley-Davidson, told the Victoria Advocate. "Our goal is to continue to help others through blood donations so patients like Mark could have a second chance at life."

One donation could save up to three lives and benefit a variety of patients. All presenting donors will receive a T-shirt and can also participate in raffles and win door prizes and are invited to a battle of the bands.

Anyone 16 years old weighing 120 pounds (with a parental consent form) or at least 17 years old weighing 110 pounds and in good general health can donate blood. It is recommended to eat iron-rich foods before donating and to drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. Donors must present photo ID, last four digits of their Social Security number and their birth date. Visit southtexasblood.org for more information.