The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation continues their efforts to increase awareness of the importance of blood and platelet donations with a drive December 6-December 31, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center, both in the Longwood Medical Area.

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 Andre Tippett, Patriots Executive Director of Community Affairs.

"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 and platelet drive."

All successful donors will receive a special Patriots-themed thank-you gift and be entered into a drawing for one of two autographed footballs.

To be eligible to donate you must be at least 16 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; valid photo identification is required. For details or to make an appointment to donate, call 888-LETSGIV, email blooddonor@partners.org, or visit www.dana-farber.org/blooddonation.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and the Brigham and Women's Hospital Blood Donor Center are members of the Joint Program in Transfusion Medicine. Together, these centers provide essential blood products to patients cared for in both institutions. The Kraft Center collects platelets; the BWH Donor Center collects whole blood and red cells. The program's research and quality standards ensure the safety of the more than 60,000 transfusions performed annually at these patient care facilities.