Inova is setting up a day-long community blood drive in Courthouse on Monday

The healthcare company’s blood donation arm is again partnering with Fire Works American Pizzeria and Bar for the event. Blood donors will receive $5 off any menu item at the restaurant for their contribution.

The blood drive is taking place from 1:30-5:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. The Inova Blood Services Bloodmobile will be parked in front of the restaurant at 2350 Clarendon Blvd, just up the street from the Courthouse Metro station.

Those wanting to donate can schedule the appointment online or by calling 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) and using the Sponsor Code #8629. Donors are also encouraged to visit the Inova Blood Donor services website for information about preparing to donate.

Photo ID and a face-covering are required. Fire Works American Pizzeria and Bar has been open since August 2010. The pizzeria has an ongoing relationship with Inova to help collect much-needed blood supplies in Northern Virginia.

Photo by Obi – @pixel6propix on Unsplash

Virginia’s annual back-to-school tax holiday is coming up this weekend and one local shopping center is using the occasion to hold a donation drive.

This year’s statewide sales tax holiday is taking place from Friday through Sunday (Aug. 5-7). Those shopping in Virginia can rack up tax savings on eligible products, including back-to-school clothing and supplies, emergency preparedness items, and certain energy- and water-efficient home appliances and fixtures.

More from the state’s website:

What items are eligible?

• School supplies, clothing, and footwear
  • Qualified school supplies – $20 or less per item
  • Qualified clothing and footwear – $100 or less per item
• Hurricane and emergency preparedness products
  • Portable generators – $1,000 or less per item
  • Gas-powered chainsaws – $350 or less per item
  • Chainsaw accessories – $60 or less per item
  • Other specified hurricane preparedness items – $60 or less per item
• Energy Star™ and WaterSense™​ products
  • Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use – $2,500 or less per item

Detailed lists of qualifying items and more information for retailers can be found in the Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines.

“During a time of high inflation and gas prices, Virginians will receive some needed tax relief this weekend as they support local businesses across the Commonwealth,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said this afternoon in a statement. “Lowering the cost of living remains a top priority for my administration as we work together to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Locals taking advantage of tax-free shopping at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, meanwhile, are being asked to bring their used denim with them. Denim clothing can be donated at the mall between Aug. 5-14.

“Fashion Centre at Pentagon City encourages shoppers to bring any type of denim apparel items to the Do Good With Denim drive,” mall operator Simon said in a press release. “Shoppers can recycle their used denim at various bins throughout the center. Stations will be located throughout the center for shoppers to custom embroider their denim. Donations will be given to the Salvation Army.”