The American Red Cross is asking the public to start off the fall season with a lifesaving blood or platelet donation.

People who give during the fall season play an important role in keeping the blood supply high enough to help patients counting on blood products for care — especially ahead of the busy holiday season, according to a news release from the Red Cross.

Donors can book a time to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).