(PADUCAH, Ky.) — As summer schedules wind down and fall routines begin, the American Red Cross is calling on community members to help maintain critical blood supplies by donating blood or platelets. The need is particularly urgent for donors with O positive and B negative blood types, as hospitals rely on these donations to provide lifesaving treatments when patients need them most.
PEANUTS Partnership Sweetens the Deal
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the iconic PEANUTS comic strip, the Red Cross has partnered with Charles M. Schulz’s beloved characters for a special campaign running August 29 through September 21, 2025. Every donor during this period will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag containing one of four unique T-shirt designs featuring the classic characters.
The surprise element adds excitement to the donation experience—donors won’t know which design they’ve received until they open their bag. Even better, lucky donors may discover a golden ticket hidden randomly in select mystery bags nationwide. Those who find a golden ticket can redeem it online for all four T-shirt designs.
“People coming together to care for one another represents the humanitarian spirit we share with PEANUTS fans,”said Amber Youngblood, American Red Cross Kentucky Region Communications Director, emphasizing how small acts of kindness can make a significant impact.
Weather Creates Ongoing Challenges
The timing of this campaign addresses real challenges facing blood collection efforts. Late summer brings the threat of severe weather and hurricanes, which can significantly disrupt donation drives. Between July 2024 and June 2025, weather events forced the cancellation of approximately 1,500 blood drives, resulting in more than 40,000 uncollected donations.
As National Preparedness Month approaches in September, these statistics highlight the importance of maintaining consistent donation schedules when conditions permit. Regular donations help ensure hospitals have adequate supplies regardless of weather-related disruptions.
Local Donation Opportunities
The campaign offers numerous convenient locations throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois for potential donors:
This Week’s Opportunities
- Today (Aug. 25): Paducah Blood Donation Center (12:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.)
- Aug. 26-27: Murray State University Curris Center (10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days)
- Aug. 28: Calvert City Church of Christ (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Aug. 29: Murray-Calloway Senior Citizens Center (8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
September Locations Include:
- First Presbyterian Church, Murray (Sept. 2)
- Robert Cherry Civic Center, Paducah (Sept. 3-4)
- Graves County Public Library, Mayfield (Sept. 2)
- Lyon County High School, Eddyville (Sept. 10)
- Southwest Calloway Elementary, Murray (Sept. 9)
The Paducah Blood Donation Center maintains the most extensive schedule, offering donation opportunities almost daily throughout the campaign period.
How to Get Involved
Scheduling a donation appointment is simple and can be done through multiple channels:
- Visit RedCrossBlood.org or RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts for campaign details
- Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- Use voice commands with Alexa Echo devices
Donation Requirements
Most healthy individuals can donate blood if they meet basic criteria: age 17 or older (16 with parental consent in some states), minimum weight of 110 pounds, and general good health. Donors should bring a blood donor card, driver’s license, or two forms of identification.
To streamline the donation process, donors can use RapidPass to complete pre-donation health questionnaires online before arriving at their appointment. This service is available through the Red Cross website or mobile app.
The campaign represents more than just a promotional partnership—it’s a community effort to ensure that when medical emergencies arise, lifesaving blood products are readily available. As Charlie Brown might say, even small gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life.
For complete campaign details and golden ticket redemption information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts.