During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support children, teenagers 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.

Five-year-old Wren Jansen of Fort Mill, South Carolina, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia two years ago and has received 16 blood and platelet transfusions during her battle with cancer. To honor Wren, the Jansen family will mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging family, friends and others to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.

In December, Wren and her family hope to celebrate victory in her cancer battle.

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

Donors also will receive a free haircut coupon from Sport Clips Haircuts, a partner of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports research to find cures for childhood cancers.

In September, donors will receive a coupon for a free haircut by 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.

Donors can make an appointment to donate blood using the free American Red Cross Blood donor sapp, https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/sport-clips or by calling 800-RED CROSS (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.

Upcoming blood drives in Salisbury include:

• Noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday, CARmazone, 428 Jake Alexander Blvd. S.

• Noon-4:30 p.m. Sept. 4, American Red Cross, E.H. Dole Chapter I, 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd. W.

• 2:30-7 p.m. Sept. 6, Trinity Oaks Health and Rehab, 820 Klumac Road.

• 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 12, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College North Campus, 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd.