Johnson State College will host a blood drive Thursday, Oct. 27, from noon to 5 p.m. at the SHAPE Center. THERE IS AN URGENT NEED to refill Vermont blood banks, as local supplies are being diverted to areas hard-hit by Hurricane Matthew. This is the annual fall blood drive sponsored by JSC, the American Red Cross and the Vermont Electric Co-op, with pizza and other refreshments provided. Appointments can be made at REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG or by calling 800-REDCROSS. Walk-ins are always welcome. Also feel free to email sarah.golden@jsc.edu to sign up. All donors will be entered into a raffle with great prizes, including a hammock and an Android tablet. Bring a friend or loved one and help us make this incredibly meaningful endeavor a success. Your help is needed more than ever as we work to refill the shelves of our local blood banks. Thank you!