The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible people to donate blood or platelets to combat shortages during the holiday season.

As a result of low blood donor numbers in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade. The ongoing effects of COVID-19 and a summer spike in Delta variant cases significantly depleted the nation’s blood supply, Red Cross officials said.  To make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, call (800)733-2767, or visit redcrossblood.org.