The American Red Cross and Hello Kitty and Friends are teaming up in September to encourage blood donations as the organization works to keep the blood supply stable through the fall.

The Red Cross is urging people to make and keep appointments to donate blood, emphasizing that every donation can help prevent another shortage. A single blood donation can help more than one patient, the organization said.

As part of the partnership, people who come to give blood Sept. 1-20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.

For details, visit https://RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.

The blood supply has continued to recover from critically low levels thanks to thousands of people who donated over the summer, but it remains vulnerable as September approaches.

Back-to-school activities can cause donors to be less available to give. The ongoing potential for tropical systems in the Atlantic also poses a threat because severe weather can disrupt blood drives and make donations more difficult in affected communities.

By scheduling and keeping appointments now, donors can help the Red Cross ensure lifesaving blood products are available wherever they are needed, including communities where donations may not be possible because of severe summer weather and natural disasters.

“One small act of kindness can travel far. Spark joy and book a time to give blood,” the Red Cross said.

Those interested can schedule a blood donation at https://RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

A blood drive is scheduled for Sept. 16 from 1-5 p.m. at Peace Community Church, 8250 Roscoe Road, in Gulf Shores. Additional opportunities are scheduled in Mobile and Pensacola throughout September.