The Delta Blood Bank mobile unit was parked Tuesday at the Manteca Senior Center.

It was for the blood drive held specifically for City of Manteca employees, with every unit donated helping to sustain supplies at the local hospitals, according to Delta coordinator Cheryl Kirwan.

“We try to have one here every 56 days,” she said.

Employees were screened prior to entering the mobile unit to give blood. Many, in fact, were no stranger to this procedure.

“I give all the time,” said Gayleena Miller in the finance department.

The same goes for Brian Johnson in the parks and recreation department.

“This is my fifth time,” he said while replenishing his system at the Delta cantina consisting of cookies, juice and other refreshments.

The first time Johnson donated blood was for his cousin who was battling leukemia. Now, he’s considered a regular.

“It’s a good experience and for a good cause,” Johnson added.

Kirwan noted the city employee blood drive often amounts to about 30 units, with the high school events often tallying the big numbers.

Community blood drives are planned for Manteca High (Feb. 10), Manteca Park Golf Course (Feb. 24), Sierra High (March 5) and East Union High (March 12).

Delta Blood Bank will also have two replacement drives next month, including one benefiting Janet Gomez on Dec. 12 at St. Anthony’s Church and the other at Cornerstone Community Church for Erika Decena on Dec. 13.

More information can be found online by logging on to www.deltabloodbank.org.

To reach reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com