WISCONSIN — September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.

Platelet donors and blood donors of all blood types are urgently needed to replenish the blood supply following a summer blood shortage. Those who come to give Aug. 30- Sept. 3 will receive a unique Red Cross canvas tote bag, while supplies last.

Make an appointment to donate by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. 

Blood drives are also essential in helping ensure blood is available for patients this winter. To learn more and sign up to host a blood drive, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.

Donors can do good and look good this September when they donate blood or platelets with the Red Cross and get a free haircut coupon from Sport Clips Haircuts — a proud supporter of childhood cancer research —during the annual Saving Lives Never Looked So Good campaign.

Those who come out to give blood or platelets Sept. 1 to 30 will receive a coupon for a free haircut via email several days after their donation. The coupon is valid through Nov. 11 at participating Sport Clips locations. Donors must have a valid email address on record to receive the coupon. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities for Green and Lafayette Counties include:

Monroe: from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Hope Evangelical Free Church, 2902 13th St.

Belmont: from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Grade School, 646 E. Liberty

Juda: from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 25 at the Juda High School, N2385 Spring St.