STOCKTON – It’s one of the easiest things a person can do to help save a life.

And the best part is that it’s a renewable resource – allowing for the gift to be given again only 56 days later.

Donating blood doesn’t take much time, and is relatively painless. And on Saturday, Aug. 4, those wishing to help raise money for the organization that supplies hospitals in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne and El Dorado Counties can lace up their running shoes, pull on that T-shirt and hit the pavement for five-kilometer run around Stockton’s Banner Island Ballpark.

“It’s important to have events like this because even though only five percent of the people give blood, the other 95 percent can give back in other ways,” said Delta Blood Bank Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Browning. “This is an event that helps raise money and awareness to let people know that there’s always a need.”

The $35 entry fee for the Run for Blood 5K will help benefit the Dameron Hospital Foundation.

Until recently Delta Blood Bank operated a weekly donation site at a local church, but has since moved into a permanent location at the Cardoza Center at the intersection of Main Street and Louise Avenue – allowing donors the opportunity to give at will whenever their time is up.

According to Browning it isn’t uncommon to see people showing up right when they’re able to – some have been doing so for decades – and building the number of people that are willing to do so comes directly through reaching out into the community with volunteers and working to keep the “gift of life” stocked and ready for when somebody needs it.

“There’s always a need for blood, and whether it stays in San Joaquin County or goes elsewhere to somebody who needs it right away it’s going to benefit and possibly save someone’s life,” she said. “When the runners come in to pick up their packets, we’ll have places available for them if they themselves want to donate.”

Corporate donors that have helped support the event include Fleet Feet Sports and In-Shape Health Clubs. Also contributing are San Joaquin Magazine, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, Van Ryn Brothers, Leonard Photography, Mind, Body and Sprit Massage, Perry and Sons, American Rescue and California Raisins.

Participants can register online at www.runforblood.com – the cost is $35 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. All participants will receive a t-shirt, a goodie bag that includes coupons and refreshments.

The event begins at 8 a.m. rain or shine.