ST. PAUL – During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, the American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. Childhood cancer patients may need blood products on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Blood and platelet donors of all blood types, especially type O negative and O positive, are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a critical summer blood shortage. As a thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets Aug. 31-Sept. 4 will receive a Red Cross aluminum water bottle, while supplies last.

The Red Cross has teamed up with Sports Clips, a partner of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports research to find cures for childhood cancers, for their “Saving Lives Never Looked So Good” campaign. Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut from Sport Clips Haircuts via email.

“The Red Cross and Sport Clips share a commitment to helping kids kick cancer, and we are thrilled to partner in September for the ‘Saving Lives Never Looked So Good’ campaign to help bring attention to this important topic,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of national partnerships, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “We are grateful to Sport Clips for their continued support of the Red Cross and for thanking the generous blood and platelet donors who help make life-saving treatments possible for many childhood cancer patients.”

The coupons are valid through Nov. 11, 2018, at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon.

“With Sport Clips, the Red Cross and St. Baldrick’s joining forces during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we hope to spread the word about the importance of blood donations, especially for children fighting cancer,” said Amanda Palm, communications manager for Sport Clips. “Offering a free haircut is our way of saying thank you to blood donors everywhere.”

Mower County residents will have opportunities to donate blood on the following days in September:

• Sept. 2: 1-7 p.m. at the Adams American Legion, 321 West Main St. in Adams

• Sept. 6: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mower County Employees, 201 First St. NE in Austin

• Sept. 7: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mower County Senior Center, 400 Third Ave. NE in Austin

• Sept. 14: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System, 1000 First Drive NW in Austin

Donors are urged to make an appointment to donate using the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/sport-clips, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross and Sport Clips encourage donors to use the hashtag #SavingLivesLooksGood to share their new looks and invite others to give.