The Journal

The Cortez Fire Protection District will hold its annual blood drive on Thursday, Dec. 22, from 4–7 p.m.

The United Blood Services Blood Mobile will be stationed in the parking lot at the Fire District Administration Office, 23 N. Washington St. To schedule an appointment, contact Fire Chief Jeff Vandevoorde at 970-565-3157 or United Blood Services at 505-325-1505. Everyone who donates on Dec. 22 will be included in a drawing for a new tablet, just in time for the Holidays.

It takes about 45 minutes. All donated blood stays in the area to help local patients.

In conjunction with the blood drive, the Cortez Fire Department also will host its annual food drive for the Good Samaritan Center. Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at Station 1, 30 N. Ash St. or at the administration office at 23 N. Washington St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 19–23. You can also bring nonperishables to the blood drive.