As part of the ninth annual "Heroes Helping Heroes" event, a joint human and canine blood drive will be held at Macungie Memorial Park, Route 100, May 3.

Sponsored by Valley Central Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center's Animal Blood Bank, Cloud Nine Pet Services at Kimberly Memorial Park, Weisenberg Township, and Queen of the Valley Farm, in conjunction with Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the blood drive will be noon to 4:45 p.m.

Kimberly Rohrbach, supervisor of Valley Central's Animal Blood Bank, explains just as humans require blood transfusions as part of treatment for many health conditions, so do animals.

To donate as humans, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and must not have donated in the past eight weeks.

All donors must also provide valid identification with name printed on it, photo and signature.

In addition to the human/canine blood drive the pet fair will include pet portraits by Pooch Smooch Photography, Agility with Lehigh Valley Dream Weaver Agility Club, a K-9 police demo and additional demonstrations by other groups. Many giveaways, shopping and educational opportunities will fill the day from a variety of booths from multiple animal rescue groups, shelters and vendors. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.

For more information on the event schedule or canine blood donations, contact Kimberly Rohrbach at Valley Central at 610-435-1553.

To schedule a human blood donation, contact Kevin Zerwick at Cloud Nine Pet Services at 610-285-2720, Kathy Poole at Queen of the Valley Farm at 610-393-7104 or Rohrbach at Valley Central at 610-435-1553.