RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Thanks to the persistence of key individuals, dedicated donors, supportive businesses and committed volunteers, the Rancho Murieta Woman’s Club and Vitalant have secured a temporary location for the remaining blood drives in 2025. 

The club’s Vitalant blood drives will be held at the St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church under the sponsorship of the Knights of Columbus. Vitalant has made the necessary arrangements to avoid any disruption of the 2025 drives, which will be held on April 28, July 14 and Oct. 27.  

The women’s club sought a temporary facility after learning that its current partner, Rancho Murieta Community Church, plans to remodel its space. The church has been a steadfast supporter, with Pastor Phil Fuller generously providing space for community blood drives over the past five years. Fuller, along with church staff members Cindy Aisten and Shana Baggaley, has been an actively engaged partner in ensuring the success of these events.

The women’s club extends its gratitude to the Catholic Church for providing the use of its social hall and to Ali Arnerich for initiating the partnership with the Knights of Columbus. The club also looks forward to collaborating with Margaret Scruggs at the church to ensure the continued success of future blood drives.

Volunteers from the women’s club, the community, Scout Troop 633 and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post are the driving force behind the blood drives. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who dedicates their time and resources, whether it’s making appointment reminder calls, setting up and taking down equipment, registering donors, providing baked goods and refreshments, or monitoring donors after they give blood. Your efforts make each drive a success.

Local businesses also contribute to the cause by donating coupons and raffle prizes for blood donors. The women’s club thanks ACE Hardware, The Backyard Restaurant, The Local Bean Café, Go 4 Pizza, Murieta Inn, Naan King, Yogurt Pop, and Carole Thames, Town & Country Real Estate, for their continuing support.

The women’s club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who donated or volunteered at the Jan. 27 blood drive, where Vitalant collected 52 pints of blood. Despite computer system issues that prevented some from donating, the patience and understanding shown by donors were truly appreciated. Both Vitalant and the women’s club apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your donations and patience. We look forward to working together in future drives.