The Bakersfield College Vernon Valenzuela Resource Center held a drive-thru “Stock the Locker” donation event from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 23. 

The BC VRC event was held at the roundabout by the main campus Outdoor Theatre where donations were dropped off. Some of the items the VRC was asking for included school supplies such as binders, notebooks, paper, flashcards, highlighters, hand sanitizers, and pencils. 

According to Veterans Educational Advisor Eric Hansen, “I’m a veteran. I was in the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008. I did go to BC when I got out of the Marine Corps. All these resources that are available now for veterans, I mean it’s amazing.”

Hansen mentioned that back when he was a student at BC “there weren’t a lot of these veteran services, there weren’t a lot of the programs that are available now.”

The VRC “Stock the Locker” event asked other BC students, staff, faculty, and community members for any school supply-related donations. 

“We’re just trying to get school supplies up for our student veterans. A lot of them do get benefits, but it’s also making sure they have all the tools necessary to succeed, whether it’s school backpacks, paper, pens, highlighters. All that stuff is needed for you to succeed in your education” Hansen stated. 

BC student veteran and VRC employee Aaron Fennell stated “the veterans’ program is convenient for full-time students. Just being able to help out and feeling comfortable working around other veterans too is huge.” 

The BC Veterans Resource Center does not have a calendar with events planned as of now. If you are interested, visit their VRC Facebook page and Instagram for any upcoming events and information.