“We’re both excited and proud of what our students and staff have achieved this year,” advised Melina Williams, San Diego Job Corps’ Social Development Director.  “Last year we hosted 4 blood drives and collected 326 units of blood.  This year’s goal was to have 6 blood drives and donate 600 pints. As usual our students and staff responded to the Red Cross’ needs, and sometimes at very short notice, and we hosted 9 drives and collected 687 units of blood.  That number far exceeds any yearly total since our center opened in 1979.”

Mrs. Williams stated that this achievement was “truly a center effort.”  Students from just about every trade and academic department either donated blood or volunteered to assist with the actual drive.” She continued that former Student Government Specialist Marcus Dunlap, who now serves as a Career Transition Specialist, certainly was the catalyst early on this year in encouraging student to donate blood and service as blood drive volunteers.  As a Job Corps graduate, Marcus was able to use his knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to ensure every drive was successful.”

In addition to the blood drives, Job Corps contributes thousands of hours of community service to non-profit organizations and agencies throughout the year.  Recently the Culinary Arts students baked over 1,200 deserts for the Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach’s Thanksgiving dinner, and will be baking cookies for December’s Christmas Comes to I.B. community event.  “I love this time of year,” advised Chef Richard Siegiel, one of the Culinary Arts instructors. “There is something special about the holiday season and our helping others have a more enjoyable Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our students certainly get into the spirit of giving.”

“Next year we’re planning on having a blood drive each month and will encourage the community to join us again for the drives,” Mrs. Williams stated.  “Donating blood has become a part of our culture of community service, and our students and staff realize that each pint of blood can save up to three lives.  So for this year we were responsible for saving the lives of up to 2,061 strangers, which is quite a legacy for our center.”