In conjunction with Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, the Faith in Action Ministry will host its first blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 5. The blood drive will take place in the parish hall of St. Edward's Episcopal Church, 2453 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster.

Once known as Social Outreach, the Faith in Action Ministry is run by a committee made up of members from St. Edward's Episcopal Church. The committee is responsible for coordinating projects that establish and maintain a relationship between the community and the church. Committee members aim to schedule events and projects in tandem with religious seasons such as Pentecost, Lent, and Easter. Since the church is currently celebrating Pentecost, the committee found it fitting to host a blood drive.

"I'm looking forward to, and hoping for, a successful turnout," stated Leslie Arnold, Faith in Action Ministry committee member and primary blood drive coordinator. "According to Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, one pint can save three lives. People should participate for the sake of giving back in terms of helping others as a result of their donation."

On the day of the blood drive, the Faith in Action Ministry will promote its project called Books for Prisoners. Throughout the summer, the committee will collect books for a small library that an Episcopalian prison chaplain will keep for prisoners in Lancaster. The committee is looking for donations of Bibles, devotionals, inspiring biographies, and more. Paperbacks are preferred, but hardcovers will be accepted. For a specific list of books that will be accepted, visit http://bit.ly/BooksForPrisoners.

Arnold said she hopes that other Episcopal churches in Lancaster County will participate in the blood drive.

Walk-ins will not be available at the blood drive. To sign up for a time to donate, visit http://bit.ly/StEdsBloodDrive.