NOCO Announcements

The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends Join Forces to Help Save Lives

By: Staff

Grab an Exclusive American Red Cross x Hello Kitty® and Friends Collectible for Coming to Give Sept. 1-20

The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood. 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 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 system 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 by visiting redcrossblood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1.800.RED.CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Sept. 1-20:
  • American Red Cross, 444 N. Sherman St., Denver:
    • Mondays and Fridays in September, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
      • Sept. 11 blood drive, sponsored by the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, will be from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
    • Sept. 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
    • Sept. 9, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Raintree Athletic Club, 2555 S. Shields St., Fort Collins—Sept. 1, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Eagles Peak Colorado, 500 Apex Drive, Windsor—Sept. 1, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Embassy Suites Loveland, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland—Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • American Legion Post 4, 2124 W. County Road 54G, Fort Collins—Sept. 11, noon-5 p.m.
How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.RED.CROSS or 1.800.733.2767 to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass or use the Blood Donor App.

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