On November 22, 2011, the San Diego Job Corps Center hosted its fourth blood drive of the year for the American Red Cross. “We had a wonderful day and as always, the generous and giving students and staff of the San Diego Job Corps came through with flying colors,” advised Carina Kagan, Donor Recruitment/Community Outreach Coordinator for the American Red Cross.  “This year Job Corps donated a total of 326 pints of blood.  Since each pint can save up to 3 lives, all the wonderful donors at the center were able to save the lives of up to 978 strangers.”

“It is never difficult to organize the blood drives,” stated Claudia Chavez, Student Government Association Specialist.  “Once a date is set our student volunteers begin providing information to students and staff and schedule their appointments.  On the day of the drive we always have students volunteer to help the Red Cross throughout the day,” she continued. “It’s obvious our students and staff recognize how important donating blood is, and the drives are always successful.”

“From my first involvement with Job Corps, I’ve always been impressed with the kindness, good humor, politeness, and generosity of the students and staff,” Ms. Kagan advised. “This year’s total is an amazing feat, especially in a world where many folks think that young people no longer care very much about their local community and world.”  Ms. Kagan noted that more than half of the students donated blood for the first time. “It’s one of the most satisfying things I do in my job,” she added, “to see the faces of all these young people who have donated blood despite their initial fear; they are alternately excited, elated and proud knowing that they are true lifesavers.”