The community is asked to take time to give blood this week. The gift will actually be multiplied through donations from a business.

At the same time, you will also being donating to the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson.

For every pint of blood donated through Saturday, United Blood Services in Meridian will donate $10.00 to the children's hospital. This is in memory of
Johnathan Mars, who died in 2002 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

"We spent four years at that hospital," said Johnathan's mother, Robin Mars. "He received all of his treatments there, so that is a big part of my life. My life was lived at that hospital for four years."

"I would love to have people standing outside the door waiting to getting to donate," said Director of UBS operations, J.W. Chapman. "And I would like to write a $1,000 check to the hospital, We won't set a cap. We would love the whole city of Meridian to come out if possible."

The blood drive will end Saturday at 2 p.m.