COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
Donors can also meet and take photos with Patriots Alumni Joe Andruzzi, Steve Nelson, and Patrick Pass.

The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation will host the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Hospital Blood Mobile — the traveling extension of the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center — for a blood drive Sunday, March 9. The drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Patriot Place, directly across from Davio’s Steakhouse.

Donors will receive a Patriots gift bag and can meet and take photos with special guests, including Patriots Alumni Joe Andruzzi, Steve Nelson and Patrick Pass. Andruzzi was a standout guard on the Patriots offensive line for all three Super Bowl victories, as well as the inaugural recipient of the New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award and the founder of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation for cancer patients and their families. Nelson was a Patriots linebacker for 14 seasons (1974-87) and was voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Pass was a three-time Super Bowl champion as a running back, and special teamer..

The Patriots Charitable Foundation has a long history of advocating for volunteer blood and platelet donations, both at the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center and throughout the region, encouraging all eligible fans to consider making a life-saving difference. Volunteer blood and platelet donors are the only source of these blood products, which are essential for people going through cancer treatment and many other critically ill patients in need of life-saving transfusions.

The drive will be open to the public. Advance appointments are preferred (walk-ins will be accepted as time permits) and can be scheduled by emailing BloodDonor@partners.org with the subject heading “Patriots” and two preferred donation times. In general, to give blood, donors should be at least 17 years old, 110 pounds or heavier and in good health. Donors should also bring a valid photo ID on the day of their donation.

To learn more about eligibility and the donation process, please call the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center at 617-632-3206 or visit www.dana-farber.org/blooddonation.