The Gilbert Public Schools Safety and Security department organized its sixth blood drive on August 29 at the GPS Global Academy multi-purpose room. The event, which has taken place annually for the past three years, was open to both staff and residents from Gilbert and Mesa.
The blood drives are held three times a year in partnership with the American Red Cross. Al Cain, Director of Safety and Security, described the initiative as an important part of their work. “I just look at it as our way of giving back,” he explained. “Some people donate money, some people donate other things like their time or labor. This is our way.”
During these events, Red Cross staff manage the collection process while members of the GPS Safety and Security team assist by preparing the venue, welcoming donors, and supporting logistics.
“As the Safety and Security department, we understand the need and impact donating blood can have,” said Sandy Christie, Administrative Assistant for the department. “We just want to support our communities in any way that we can.”
Since beginning these efforts three years ago, more than 140 pints of blood have been collected through six drives. Donors receive notifications when their contributions are used. Cain shared a recent example: “It’s just a powerful reminder that we can make a real impact on someone’s life,” he said after learning his donation helped a child in San Diego.
The department aims to help as many people as possible by being present in schools and hosting up to three blood drives each academic year. “We only have enough time for 29 donations per blood drive, so we try to have at least one drive in every fall, winter, and spring,” added Cain.
Another blood drive is scheduled for December 2025. Further information about safety protocols is available at https://www.gilbertschools.net/safety/. Updates about upcoming drives can be found in district newsletters.
