Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 31, 2026) — Hello Kitty® and Friends are teaming up with the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada this September to bring a little extra kindness to blood donation and help keep the nation’s blood supply stable following a difficult summer.
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada and Hello Kitty® and Friends are partnering this September to remind donors that comfort and care are always better when shared. Hello Kitty’s belief that you can never have too many friends has special meaning when giving blood, where one person can help a patient they may never meet. 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.
“Southern Nevada blood donors helped the Red Cross through an extraordinarily challenging summer, but the need for blood doesn’t disappear when a crisis eases,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “This partnership with Hello Kitty and Friends is a fun way to thank donors while bringing attention to something that matters every day. Patients still depend on people making time to give.”
The national blood crisis declared by the American Red Cross in late July, only the second in its history, has eased after thousands of donors across the country responded to the urgent call for help. While that response has helped improve the blood supply, continued donations are essential to keep pace with the daily needs of hospitals and patients nationwide.
Give Blood This September
Hello Kitty® and Friends say goodbye after Sept. 20, but the need for blood continues every day. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations each day to meet the needs of patients at hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
Donors can make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As September begins, the blood supply remains vulnerable. Back-to-school activities and busier schedules can make donors less available, while severe weather and natural disasters can disrupt blood drives. Making and keeping appointments helps ensure blood is available for patients, including in communities where donations may be disrupted by disasters.
Southern Nevada Blood Drives This Week
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Thursday, Sept. 3
Friday, Sept. 4
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
About Sanrio®
Sanrio® is the global lifestyle brand and home to Hello Kitty®, created in 1974, and many other beloved character brands such as My Melody™, Kuromi™, LittleTwinStars™, Cinnamoroll™, Pompompurin™, gudetama™, Aggretsuko™,Chococat™,Badtz-Maru™ and Keroppi™. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio's business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup which is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone's faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.
