It took a little prodding. But she finally said yes. And now she’s scored a double whammy by volunteering at BCP.

“My son Frank Jr., and Debbie kept encouraging me to volunteer,” said Jimmie Hensler, who lives in Pittsburg, CA. “The commute just seemed too far. But now that I am a volunteer, not only am I helping the community but I get to see Frank Jr., more often. It’s a win-win situation!” Frank Hensler, Jr., is BCP’s Network Operations Manager.

A volunteer since 2005, Jimmie has already clocked in more than 230 hours of volunteer time at the blood center by helping out at the Irwin Center – San Francisco donor canteen. “I love volunteering and the people here,” she said. “Everyone’s friendly and I am treated like gold!”

Originally from Mississippi, Jimmie moved to the Bay Area in 1970 with her husband with the intention of staying for three years, but eventually decided to remain on the west coast. Now retired, Jimmie previously worked for 22 years at the Contra Costa Water District working her way up to crew leader where they installed water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, etc. Prior to that, she had taught math in high school and junior high.

In addition to giving her time at BCP, Jimmie also volunteers once a month at a homeless shelter in Martinez. And for the past three years, has participated in the AIDS Lifecycle with Frank Jr. “I had never in my life slept in a tent,” said Jimmie. “But after the first year, I loved it and was hooked!”

Way to go Jimmie! Thank you from all of us at Blood Centers of the Pacific