EPHRATA — The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive in Ephrata in the middle of October, hosted by the American Legion Family of Art Semro Post and Unit 28.

According to a release by the Legion, the blood drive will be held Oct. 19 at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Basin St. SW, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Walk-ins will not be allowed, due to restrictions on gathering size. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 1-800-Red Cross (733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering “EphrataCommunity.”

Donors who are interested in scheduling a Power Red donation can visit http://rcbld.org/art/5mh9wy. According to the release, a Power Red donation gives nearly twice the amount of red blood cells and can help more patients. Power Red is similar to a whole blood donation except a special machine is used to allow donors to donate two units of red blood cells during one donation safely while returning plasma and platelets to the donor. However, it takes a little more time than a regular donation, and because of that, there are a limited number of Power Red appointments available.

People are asked not to donate if they have a fever, cough or scratchy throat.

The release states the Legionnaires and Auxiliary host this particular annual blood drive every year and because it falls in October, some of the volunteers come in costume.

Sandwiches and cookies will available after donation.