With Relay for Life less than three weeks away, local businesses are painting the town purple to bring attention to the upcoming event.

“The whole idea is just to spread awareness for Relay for Life coming up,” said Chelsea Peoples, community manager for Relay for Life. “We’re looking to get as many businesses participating as possible.”

Peoples said about 50 “Paint the Town Purple” kits have been delivered to Suffolk businesses, and about 40 are still available for any business that would like to participate.

The kits include balloons, streamers, tissue paper, shopping bags, posters, fliers, table tents and more. Businesses are also welcome to throw in their own purple decorations, Peoples said.

“This is just to get you started,” she said.

Any business that participates and holds an in-store Relay promotion, such as a give-back day or a coin can, will be entered into a drawing for a sponsorship package for Relay, Peoples said. In addition, the best-decorated storefront will receive an award on the night of Relay.

Businesses should contact Dana DeFreeuw at relaywithdana@gmail.com to schedule delivery of their kits, Peoples said.

Relay for Life of Suffolk will take place from 6 p.m. to 6 am. May 20-21 at Nansemond River High School. Visit www.relayforlife.org/suffolkva for more information.