BOTKINS — Blood donations are critical for the treatment of cancer patients.

Individuals can honor September and October Blood Cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness months by donating at the community blood drive sponsored by the Botkins High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Palazzo, 309 S. Main St., Botkins. Everyone who registers to donate will receive the “My Compassion Defines Me. I Donate Blood to Fight Cancer” T-shirt. Donors can make an appointment to donate online at www.DonorTime.com or call 937-461-3220.

The “My Compassion Defines Me” T-shirt is the donor gift from Community Blood Center Sept. 3 through Nov. 2. It’s the last of three T-shirt designs in the Lifesaving Adventure Blood Drive campaign. Everyone who registers to donate through Nov. 2 is automatically entered in the drawing for the YETI Adventure Package, which includes a Tundra Cooler, Base Camp chairs and 27 genuine YETI accessories.

Platelets and plasma are vitally important for the treatment of cancer patients, as well as trauma, transplant and burn patients. CBC is offering new opportunities to donate platelets and plasma at community blood drives. Donors are in high demand, especially blood types A, AB or B positive. Individuals can find out more at www.GivingBlood.org or talk to an apheresis specialist at 937-461-3220.