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A friend once told me she donates blood regularly as her act of community service. It was an eye-opening statement that provided instant perspective on the simplicity of such a gift: it costs nothing, takes barely any time, and can be done at a time and location of your convenience. Since 1950, the San Diego Blood Bank has relied on this selfless contribution to the health and wellness of strangers, with donations of blood used in treating patients with life-threatening conditions, emergencies, and surgeries as well as research (Dr. Jonas Salk, creator of the polio vaccine, spoke at the dedication ceremony of the bank's grand opening; more on him and his groundbreaking vaccine to follow). e blood bank enjoyed early success: even in its first years, it averaged 27,000 pints of donated blood annually. Today, that number has soared to more than 150,000 pints. Eight locations throughout the county as well as ten bloodmobiles make giving easy when the time is right — donors can make whole blood donations as frequently as every eight weeks. sandiegobloodbank.org DEANNA MURPHY 7 5 Founded as St. Mary's of the Wayside in 1950 and later becoming St. Vincent de Paul Center, Father Joe's Villages helps San Diegans who are struggling with homelessness and need with respect and dignity. ough it existed for more than 30 years before his arrival, Father Joe Carroll, who was assigned to take the helm in 1982 upon the retirement of his predecessor, quickly gained national and global acclaim for his tireless efforts to serve and support those who needed it most. In 2015, this beacon of hope in the East Village was officially renamed in honor of the great man it had already long become synonymous with — the same year that current president Deacon Jim Vargas took the reins. ough Carroll died in 2021, his legacy lives on in the care and kindness offered to thousands of San Diegans daily though programs including meals, temporary shelter, healthcare, and substance use treatment. e 24th Annual anksgiving Day 5K, one of Father Joe's Villages' most popular events, takes place on November 27 in Balboa Park. my.neighbor.org DEANNA MURPHY ranchandcoast.com 46 NOVEMBER 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE San Diego Blood Bank, 1950s Father Joe's Villages SAN DIEGO BLOOD BANK: PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO BLOOD BANK FATHER JOE'S VILLAGES: PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER JOE'S VILLAGES