OBT and Lutheran HealthCare teamed together to safe livesBlood Drive Event collects a total of 21 pints

21 is the magic number! Last Tuesday, March 10, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT), Sunset Park office, hosted a blood drive in collaboration with Lutheran HealthCare Blood Donor Center.

The event was part of Lutheran’s mission to double the amount of pints collected for 2009. Among the donors were current OBT students and staff members.

"Today was about more than just giving blood; for our young adults it was about the value of giving back," said OBT Executive Director Randolph Peers. "I am very proud of all of our staff and students."

Donations made in Lutheran’s Blood Center serve two significant purposes: First, your donation stays here in Brooklyn, it really will help save a friend, family member or a neighbor and second, during national blood shortages and times when supplies are low, hospitals not only must purchase blood from area blood centers, but also can be subjected to periodic blood rationing.

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow is a non-profit organization which mission is to help disadvantaged populations recognized their own self-worth and advance towards self-sufficiency and financial security through employment and training, academic reinforcement, improved life skills, job placement and support services. OBT’s Youth Job Training Program is a model program that works with disconnected youth between the ages of 17 and 21. Part of the training includes a service learning component that helps young adults recognize the importance of volunteerism.

OBT is currently enrolling for the Youth Job Training Program and the Adult Employment Services. For more information contact us at 718-369-0303 or visit our website www.obtjobs.org.

If you missed the event and wish to make a blood donation; walk-ins are welcome at the Lutheran Medical Center blood donor room, located at 150 55th Street in Sunset Park. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Event Pictures