Hello Kitty’s New Red Cross Campaign Offers Sanrio Fans Exclusive Merch for Donating Blood
Image by Charlotte DavisSanrio is teaming up with the American Red Cross for a new campaign that will reward blood donors in the US with exclusive collectibles throughout September.
Hello Kitty appears alongside My Melody, Pochacco, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and Pompompurin, with the choice of characters fitting particularly well with the campaign’s focus on kindness, as the Red Cross describes the partnership as being based around the idea that a small act can travel much further and potentially help more than one patient.
Sanrio itself has followed a similar philosophy throughout its history, with the company describing its approach around the belief that a small gift can help create happiness and friendship between people.
The collaborative campaign arrives at an important time for the American Red Cross, with the organization saying that blood supplies have continued to recover from critically low levels following thousands of donations made throughout the summer.
September still presents potential problems, however, as the return of schools and other seasonal activities can reduce donor availability while severe weather and Atlantic tropical systems can disrupt scheduled blood drives.
The American Red Cross supplies around 40% of the blood used across the US, making regular donations important even outside periods officially classified as blood shortages or crises.
Sanrio’s involvement looks to reward fans for their donations this September, with every eligible donor receiving an exclusive “American Red Cross x Hello Kitty Plush Mascot Clip”.
The plush recreates Hello Kitty in a special blood donor design, with her familiar red bow joined by American Red Cross branding and a red “GIVE BLOOD” detail.
A clip attached above her head allows the mascot to be carried on a bag or other accessory, turning the donation-exclusive item into something that can easily be displayed outside the home.
Every participating donor will also receive a surprise sticker pack containing three randomly selected designs.
The “American Red Cross x Hello Kitty and Friends” campaign will run from September 1 through September 20, 2026, with the plush mascot clip and three-sticker surprise pack available to people who present to make an eligible blood, platelet, or AB Elite plasma donation while stocks remain.
Appointments can be arranged through the American Red Cross blood donation website or Blood Donor App, with availability depending on participating donation opportunities in each area.
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