Sabres, UNYTS team up for blood drive Monday, Feb. 16

The Buffalo Sabres will partner with Unyts, Western New York's only organ, eye, tissue and community blood center, to host a blood drive Monday. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First Niagara Center.

Although all appointments for the blood drive at First Niagara Center have been filled, additional blood donation appointments can be made at Unyts Neighborhood Blood Donation Centers through Friday, Feb. 20. Visit www.unyts.org and click on "Give Blood" to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome Feb. 16.

Those who sign up and keep their appointment will receive two tickets to an upcoming Sabres game at First Niagara Center. Donors who come to First Niagara Center Monday will have a chance to receive a free hat from New Era, and Perry's Ice Cream will supply free ice cream novelties throughout the day.

Guest appearances by Sabres alumni and Sabretooth, the team's mascot, are scheduled for the event.

Unyts is among the leading procurement organizations in the U.S., and is one of the only eight centers nationwide to house organ, tissue and eye procurement in one location. With the addition of Community Blood Service, Unyts has become the first organization of its kind nationwide. Unyts operates as a nonprofit serving the eight counties of Western New York and works to assist donor families, coordinate the donation process and increase knowledge and awareness within the community regarding transplantation.