BloodCenter of Wisconsin is launching a special Run Your Route blood donation challenge featuring Green Bay fullback John Kuhn.

Kuhn was inspired to be a blood donor himself because of a serious motorcycle accident which involved his father in 1981. His dad, also named John, received several units of blood following the accident.

“I’m grateful for the generosity of the blood donors who helped my father – and now I hope to encourage others to save lives,” said Kuhn in a statement.

The challenge, which will run from Nov. 19 to Jan. 6, 2013, encourages donors to “run their route” to their local BloodCenter of Wisconsin donor center to donate blood. The donor center with the best turnout at the end of the challenge will win a post-season party with Kuhn that will include all attempting donors from the winning location.

Party location and details will be disclosed when the winning donor center is announced.

Donors can visit www.bcw.edu/kuhn to track the progress of their donor center. Participating locations include:

• Brown Deer, 5960 W. Brown Deer Rd.
• Greenfield, 7210 W. Edgerton Ave.
• Kenosha, 8064 39th Ave.
• Milwaukee, 638 N 18th St.
• Racine, 1120 S. Sunnyslope Rd.
• Sheboygan, 1018 S. Taylor Dr.
• Waukesha, 2111 Springdale Rd.
• Wauwatosa, 8733 Watertown Plank Rd.
• West Bend, 130 Valley Ave.

To schedule an appointment, donors can visit www.bcw.edu or call 1-877-BE-A-HERO (1-877-232-4376). Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

Nearly 800 donors are needed each day to help maintain the supply to hospitals served by BloodCenter of Wisconsin. Anyone 17 or older who is in general good health and meets eligibility requirements is encouraged to donate blood. Parental consent is required for 16-year-olds to donate. The entire process takes about an hour. Donors should bring a photo ID that includes birth date.