“When my instructor asked for volunteers to help with the blood drive, I decided to help,” advised 17 year old San Diego Job Corps student Jessie Quinonez.  “I’m afraid of needles so I wasn’t planning on donating blood.  As I walked to the drive I saw the picture of the 6 year old girl from San Marcos whose life was saved by blood donors.  I also learned that one pint of blood has the potential to save 3 people’s lives.  At that point I decided to do something for a cause greater than myself.  I admit I was nervous and shaking a little,” Jessie continued, “but I said a prayer, calmed myself down, and donated blood for the first time.”

On October 10, 2012 Quinonez joined other Job Corps student volunteers and his fellow students in the Medical Office Support training program at the center’s 8th American Red Cross Blood Drive of the year.  At the beginning of the year the center’s goal was to collect 600 pints of blood, and 652 have now been donated by Job Corps students and staff as a result of the latest drive.

“We have a great partnership with the Red Cross and have regularly scheduled blood drives,” advised Marcus Dunlap, Student Government Association Specialist, who coordinates the center’s drives.  “However, there are times like this week when there is critical shortage of blood, and the Red Cross called us. We only had 2 days to prepare for the drive, but as usual our students and staff responded to their urgent call for help.  Our volunteers, like Jessie, quickly contacted students and staff, scheduled appointments, and volunteered throughout the day.”

The last Red Cross blood drive of the year at the San Diego Job Corps Center is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28th from 8:00am to 7:00pm.  The community is encouraged to visit the center at 1325 Iris Ave. Imperial Beach to donate blood. “Not only have we exceeded our goal for the year,” Marcus added, “but with everyone’s support at the next drive, we will set a center record for blood donations for the year.”