Residents of the Southland that are ready to open up a vein for the benefit of others, your time has come. On Saturday, July 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Lady's Auxiliary of the Mokena VFW Post #725, 19852 Wolf Road, are hosting a blood drive, with Heartland Community Blood Centers accepting donations at the VFW.

According to Heartland's website, all people who donate a pint of blood will be given a coupon for a free quart of Oberweis ice cream as part of the group's Pint-for-a-quart program. 

To donate blood, donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old with a parent's signed permission, weight at least 110 pounds, be symptom-free of all colds, flus and allergies, and be in general good health, according to the Heartland website.

For more information about the blood drive, contact Katherine Freeman 708-342-9772.