Beaufort County’s chapter of Relay for Life is gearing up for its first social of the year, aiming to register as many cancer survivors as possible.

The local chapter is hosting its first annual Hearts A Plenty Survivor Valentine’s Social on Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., bringing local Relay supporters and survivors together to socialize and prepare for this year’s event, said Dawn Johnston, event lead. At the social, refreshments will be served and survivors will have the opportunity to fellowship and mingle with each other, as well as register as a survivor for this year’s Relay for Life, set for May 1 and May 2 at Washington High School’s Wagner Stadium.

“This is something new for us so we can get more people involved,” Johnston said. “Survivors will have a chance to meet one another and socialize because they are our heart and the reason why we Relay. We’re just excited and hope survivors come out, and we’re excited for another great Relay season.”

Johnston said attendees can also purchase luminaries to honor those who have been lost to cancer or those who survive today, as well as receive general information about this year’s event. By starting early this year, the chapter hopes to have all Beaufort County survivors participate and has set a goal of registering 300 survivors, Johnston said.

The local chapter is also preparing for its annual yard sale at Transition’s Theater on March 21, as well as its Survivor Social slated for April, Johnston said.

For more information or to register for Relay for Life, contact Sonya Fortescue at 252-945-1501.