The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets. Every donation is critical to helping prevent the next blood shortage.
The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends are partnering in September to remind donors that comfort and care are always better when shared. Just one blood or platelets donation can help more than one patient enjoy a happier future. As a thank-you, those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will get an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty
Thanks to the generosity of thousands of people who rolled up a sleeve this summer, the blood supply continues to recover from critically low levels. As we enter September, the blood supply remains vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges such as back-to-school activities that can cause donors to be less available to give, and the ongoing potential for tropical systems in the Atlantic, which can further threaten the blood supply by disrupting blood drives. By making and keeping appointments now, donors can help the Red Cross ensure lifesaving blood products are on hand wherever they are needed, including communities where donations may not be possible due to severe summer weather and natural disasters.
One small act of kindness can travel far. Spark joy and book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Local Opportunities to Donate
BARTON COUNTY
Ellinwood
9/25/2026
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.,
St Joseph's Parish Center
110 W. 2nd St.
Great Bend
9/4/2026
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Polk Street Building,
1309 Polk Street
9/21/2026
12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.,
St Rose Auditorium,
1412 Baker St
9/15/2026
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
Club 1 Fitness,
3806 Broadway Ave
8/31/2026
11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.,
Prince of Peace Parish Center,
4124 Broadway
RICE COUNTY
Lyons
9/1/2026
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.,
Faith Bible Church,
102 S Coronado St
Sterling
9/17/2026
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.,
Sterling High School,
308 E. Washington
STAFFORD COUNTY
Macksville
9/4/2026
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.,
Macksville High School,
417 N. Gilmore
St John
8/28/2026
12 p.m. - 6 p.m.,
Stafford County Annex,
210 E 3rd Ave