The Corvallis School District has announced their upcoming Benton County Career Convention, and as in past years, that it is volunteers, maybe you, that fuel this annual event.
Tailored for 11th graders, the convention is set for March 17, 2026, at Oregon State University. The goal is to provide students with real-world insights and experiential learning opportunities.
Here’s the volunteer roles the District is recruiting for
Mock Interviewers: Help students hone their interview skills by participating in mock interviews.
Career Panel Speakers: Share your professional journey and insights on a career panel.
Greeters: Assist in checking in and directing students to ensure a smooth and organized experience.
Community Partners: Be a valuable community partner by sharing services, internship opportunities, or information on summer employment.
Volunteers can express their interest by filling out this online interest form. The District says that all volunteers are required to complete the Corvallis School District volunteer application, and hey, it’s easy to fill out.
We love that these happen each year. And it’s an awesome opportunity for community members to play an active role in shaping the future of our fair burgh’s students.
For more information, you can contact Leah Tomlin at leah.tomlin@corvallis.k12.or.us or Cathy Wright at cathy.wright@corvallis.k12.or.us.
Donate Blood Now, Please
It’s been a tough month for blood supplies. The American Red Cross is facing a severe shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month.
According to the Red Cross, here is what’s happening: High flu activity in nearly every state is sidelining donors, which is slowing efforts to rebuild national blood supplies. Plus, about 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year.
Against that backdrop, hospitals are already feeling the strain of the worst flu season in nearly 20 years. All of this means help is needed, right now. The Red Cross is urging individuals to give blood now, so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care.
How can you help
There’s no time to wait — book an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upcoming blood drives:
Corvallis
1/22/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., LDS – Corvallis Stake, 4141 NW Harrison Blvd.
1/23/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., C3 Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave.
1/28/2026: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Oregon Department of Human Services, 4170 SW Research Way, Suite 120
1/29/2026: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church – Dennis Hall, 114 SW 8th St
1/30/2026: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Burgerville, 2300 NW 9th Street
Monroe
1/23/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Monroe Community Library, 380 North 5th Street
As a thank-you to donors for helping tackle the blood shortage, those who come to give through Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. The winner and guest will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX, access to day-of, in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.
All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.
Downtown: Past, Present and Future
Okay, we’re telling you about this one whole month in advance so you can get it on your calendar. We also promise to remind you later.
So, the stated goal of this event is to encourage Corvallis community members to think about what they want for the future of downtown, and to get involved in making it happen. The event coincides with a renewed focus on downtown Corvallis. Since early 2025, the City’s Downtown Vitality Strategy Task Force has been working on a new strategy for downtown Corvallis. Representatives from the task force, as well as from the City’s Economic Development Office, will be among the speakers at the event.
Sessions will focus on business development, affordability, transportation & urban planning, and future goals for downtown Corvallis.
This program is set for 6:30 pm, Thursday, February 26 at the Corvallis Benton County Public Library Main Meeting Room. The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters Corvallis, Corvallis Benton County Public Library and the City of Corvallis.
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