Now nearly three years later, the men and women from Rockford area police and fire departments are reminding us the need for blood is always there.

Marketing students from Northern Illinois University rolled up their sleeves for a blood drive that's helping the men and women overseas who are fighting in Iraq.

The NIU Marketing Department is holding a competition this week. They are trying to see which team of four members can raise the most money for care packages for the troops overseas.

If you'd like to help out, you can call the Rock River Valley Blood Center.

Local law enforcement, firefighters and EMS in Winnebago County are also hosting a two-day blood drive to commemorate the lives lost on 9/11. It's being held at the Rock River Valley Blood Center Thursday and Friday.

The blood center is located at 419 North Sixth Street. The hours on Thursday will be between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The hours on Friday are from 6:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

All registered donors will receive a special edition commemorative pin.