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LUMBERTON — Looking for a good way to kick off next weekend? How about feeding the hungry and saving lives all while being entered to win prizes?

The 10th annual United Way Day of Caring will include a food drive, a blood drive, a knit-in and a drawing for prizes. The event’s big stage will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lumberton Chevrolet on Linkhaw Road on Friday. In addition to Lumberton Chevrolet, people may also donate food at the Walmarts in Lumberton and Pembroke, Lowe’s Food in Lumberton and Bo’s Supermarket in Fairmont during the same hours.

Sandra Oliver, executive director of United Way, said the organization hopes to collect 30,000 pounds of non-perishable food items by the end of the day.

For Saturday only, residents with a Lumberton address may leave their donated items by their mailbox to be picked up by a mail carrier.

Oliver needs volunteers at the collection sites as well as people to donate.

People who bring five non-perishable food items to Lumberton Chevrolet will be entered in a drawing for two $100 gas cards and four free oil changes. Recommended items are: cereal; canned meat; pasta; rice; grits; peanut butter; macaroni and cheese; dried milk; canned fruit and dry beans. Only those who drop off their items at the dealership will be entered in the drawing.

Also at the dealership on Friday will be a knit-in, during which participants will knit blankets and hats for premature babies at the hospital, and lap blankets for hospice patients.

Oliver said United Way has set a goal of 25 donors at the blood drive. Donors are asked to call 910-738-5057 to make an appointment, but Oliver said walk-ins are welcome.

To get more information about the event, or to volunteer, call 910-739-4249, or e-mail the United Way office at ounitedwayofr@nc.rr.com.