Pro Football Hall of Famer and Patriots Hall of Famer John Hannah visits with platelet donor Raymond Moniz, PhD, in the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The New England Patriots continue their efforts to increase awareness of the importance of blood donation with a blood drive to be held December 14 – January 2, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center in Boston.

Life-saving blood and platelet donors are especially needed during this time of year, when busy holiday schedules and inclement weather can lead to a decrease in the number of donations made.

"The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation is pleased to sponsor this event, and we encourage the community to come out and donate critically needed blood and platelets," said Josh Kraft, president of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.

"The Kraft family and the Patriots organization have a long history of support for Dana-Farber through the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and we are proud to extend this partnership by hosting this blood drive."

To be eligible to donate blood you must be at least 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; valid photo identification is required.

All successful donors will receive a special Patriots-themed thank you gift, as well as be entered into a raffle for one of three autographed player jerseys.

For details or to make an appointment to donate, call 888-LETSGIV, e-mail blooddonor@partners.org, or visit www.dana-farber.org/blooddonation.