The American Red Cross is teaming up with Hello Kitty and Friends in September as part of a new effort to encourage blood and platelet donations and help keep the nation’s blood supply stable.

The Red Cross says the blood supply has begun to recover from critically low levels seen earlier this summer, but officials warn that September can bring new challenges. Back-to-school activities often reduce donor availability, while tropical weather and other natural disasters can disrupt blood drives and threaten collections.

To help encourage donations, anyone who comes to give blood or platelets September 1 through September 20 will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last.

The Red Cross says every donation is important and can help more than one patient.

Officials are asking eligible donors of all blood types to make and keep appointments now to help ensure lifesaving blood products remain available wherever they are needed.

Appointments can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, which is 1-800-733-2767.

Most donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health, although some younger donors may be eligible with parental consent where allowed by law.

The Red Cross also reminds donors that they can save time on donation day by completing their pre-donation health history questionnaire through RapidPass before arriving at a blood drive.