Hello Kitty and Friends are helping the American Red Cross encourage blood donations as the nation’s blood supply continues to recover from a summer shortage, with exclusive collectibles available to eligible donors.
Now through Sept. 20, eligible donors who give blood or platelets will receive an exclusive American Red Cross x Hello Kitty and Friends collectible plush and sticker pack, while supplies last.
Blood supply levels were critically low over the summer, prompting the Red Cross to declare its second-ever national blood supply crisis in July after donations fell to a four-year summer low.
While the blood supply is gradually recovering, the organization says seasonal challenges could continue to impact donations. Back-to-school activities may leave donors with less time to give blood, while potential tropical systems in the Atlantic could disrupt blood drives.
According to the Red Cross, blood donations help patients of all ages, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those undergoing cancer treatment.