As a way to honor first responders for their service, the Iowa State Blood Drive will take place 10 a.m to 5 p.m. March 5 through 8 in the Great Hall at the Memorial Union.

A special Blood Drive Heroes event will also occur 2-5 p.m. Monday March 5 In the Great Hall in the Memorial Union. According to the Iowa State Blood Drive press release, the purpose of the event is to honor local heroes who risk their lives to protect the Ames community.

The Ames Fire Dept., Ames Police Dept, Iowa State Police Dept. and staff from the Mary Greeley Medical Center will all be in attendance for the event honoring their service.

During the event, Iowa State President Wendy Wintersteen and Student Government President Cody West and are expected to make an appearance for a special presidential blood donation.

It is recommended that students come on either Monday or Tuesday to donate blood.

According to Iowa State University Blood Drive Co-Director Olivia Schaaf, Wednesday and Thursday are usually the busiest days, and suggested that donors come early to avoid long lines.

An estimated 3,600 students are expected to donate blood.

While the blood drive is set up for Iowa State students and faculty, any donor in the local Ames area is welcome to donate blood.

Blood from the event will go to the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, Life Serve and the Red Cross facilities in Waterloo and Omaha.

“The blood will go anywhere it’s needed,” said Schaff.