Corpsmembers Give Back to Our Communities

Supporting and serving the communities where we work, live, and play are important aspects of being a Corpsmember in the California Conservation Corps. During the holiday season, it’s extra special to be able to give back.

“It’s really nice being able to do something that’s so helpful to other people,” said Corpsmember Morgan Collings. “That’s what the CCC is all about. Helping other people. Helping the community. Helping California.”

As part of the CCC program, Corpsmembers can earn the CCC Brad Duncan Scholarship—worth $2,000 toward college and vocational education. One of the requirements is completing 48 volunteer hours. Many Corpsmembers do far more.

“I’ve done 110 hours myself,” said Corpsmember Omar Estrada. “I’ve really enjoyed it.”

“We do volunteer events all the time,” Collings said. “This is something I’m doing for my community.”

Corpsmembers commit their time and even their own money to make a difference.

“With the holidays coming around we thought it was a good idea to get out there and donate food,” said Corpsmember Andres Chavarry. “Helping out families, that’s what we do every single day. I knew this would be a good opportunity.”

The CCC Pomona Center delivered packed boxes with food donations to Chino Neighborhood House right before the Thanksgiving holiday.

“We just thought it was a great thing to give back to people who are less fortunate than we are,” said Estrada. “Everybody who donated gave what they could.”

In the Northstate, Collings joined Chico and Redding Corpsmembers at “Stuff the Bus”, a toy drive for the Salvation Army. Corpsmembers helped unload community donations and volunteered at Salvation Army centers to deliver and organize the toys.

“I’m here doing something that I know is directly impacting my community in a positive way,” Collings said.