Oxnard College M.E.Ch.A commemorates Cesar Chavez’s birthday by hosting a blood drive on campus in collaboration with United Blood Services.

Cesar Chavez, co-founder of United Farm Workers of America, was a grassroots leader in the struggle for employment rights of agricultural workers. 

Merari DeLara, M.E.Ch.A president, urges everyone to take a moment from their lives and donate to United Blood Services.

“This event is a great way to unify our local community and Oxnard College students by honoring the efforts of Cesar Chavez,” said DeLara. “As he selflessly dedicated his life to help build the basic well-being of migrant workers, we too should pay tribute to that effort by selflessly donating blood for fellow men and women in need.”

The blood drive will be held on Monday, April 11 in the OC Student Lounge. Appointments are still being taken by M.E.Ch.A representatives, or online through the United Blood Services website.

Those who wish to participate in the event by donating blood will receive a free t-shirt from UBS.

Carlos Gonzalez, M.E.Ch.A Vice President, elaborated on why the blood drive is being held in April and not in March.

“We originally wanted to have a blood drive on March 31 in honor of Cesar Chavez’s birthday, but we weren’t able to because the Red Cross had already had a blood drive earlier in the year,” said Gonzalez. “According to the health center, there needs to be an eight week gap between drives held on campus.”

According to Gonzalez, the blood drive is an opportunity for Oxnard College students to come together along with the community and make a difference.

“Helping our community is one of our focal points in our club mission statement,” said Gonzalez. “One donation can save up to three lives, what is more rewarding than that?”

For more information on the blood drive, visit www.unitedbloodservices.org or contact M.E.Ch.A at [email protected].

“We miss you Cesar Chavez, you are not forgotten,” said DeLara.