The American Red Cross urges blood donors to make and keep donation appointments now to help hospitals restock blood products for patients ahead of the holiday season.

Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those donors with type O blood and those giving platelets, to help recover from a significant shortfall in donations throughout late summer and fall.

Patients are counting on lifesaving care now and all season long.

Those ready to help can schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 800-733-2767.

There are five blood drives planned in Jackson County in November and early December:

1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church Borchers, 10792 N. County Road 210E, Seymour

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Brownstown Central High School, 500 N. Elm St., Brownstown

Noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 15 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 S. Walnut St., Seymour

Noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at Cornerstone Community Church, 1088 Sarasota Drive, Seymour

12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at First Baptist Church, 505 Community Drive, Seymour

As a thank-you and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film “Elf” and create holiday cheer, all who come to give between Nov. 10 and 30 will receive an exclusive pair of Elf Red Cross socks while supplies last. For details, visit redcrossblood.org/elf.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers also can serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals.

For information and to apply for either position, contact or visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.

For information, visit redcross.org, cruzrojaamericana.org or twitter.com/redcross.