RENO, Nev. -- The loss of a loved one is inspiring an event this weekend to help trauma victims in northern Nevada.

Leaders of the Northern Nevada Youth Football League in Carson City are organizing a blood drive Saturday, January 26th. The event, called "Blood Drive for Life!," is planned in cooperation with the United Blood Services of Northern Nevada and the Carson City Mall.

The drive will take place from 11am to 3pm inside the Carson City Mall at 1313 S. Carson St. in Carson City. Organizers say it will be inside the old Gottschalks building.

Edward Alexander, one of the owners of the Northern Nevada Youth Football League, says the loss of a child who was once affiliated with the league inspired the blood drive. Alexander says the child was in an accident in Southern California and did not receive blood in time to save his life. In a press release, event organizers say, "This reason alone prompted our league to start... [the] annual event."

The Northern Nevada Youth Football League was founded in 2009 and is a spring-season league designed to give children football and cheerleading opportunities year-round.