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 platelet donation can help more than one patient enjoy a happier future. As a thank-you, those who come to give Sept. 1-20 will get an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.

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.

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.

Batesburg-Leesville

Sept. 8 — 1:30-6 p.m., Circle Fire Department, 9251 Columbia Highway

Sept. 10 — 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Batesburg-Leesville High School, 600 Summerland Ave.

Chapin

Sept. 14 ­— 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., American Legion Chapin Post 193, 102 Lexington Ave.

Columbia

Sept. 3 — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Irmo High School, 6671 St. Andrews Road

Sept. 10 — 1-6 p.m., Lexington County Public Library, 6251 St. Andrews Road

Lexington

Sept. 13 — 11:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Lake Murray Baptist Church, 1001 U.S. Highway 378

West Columbia

Sept. 11 — 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Total Comfort Solutions, 346 Orchard Drive