Vista resident Mason Harvey is supported by the Vallecitos Water District's blood drives. The next scheduled event is on August 15. Photo: Harvey Family blood driveVista resident Mason Harvey is supported by the Vallecitos Water District's blood drives. The next scheduled event is on August 15. Photo: Harvey Family

Vallecitos Water District Blood Drive Inspired By Vista Teen

San Diego County regional water and wastewater industries connect with their communities through service projects year-round.

Vallecitos Water District employees eagerly embrace community involvement in addition to their important roles in maintaining safe and reliable water through an annual blood drive.

The District will host its 28th Community Blood Drive in cooperation with the San Diego Blood Bank on Thursday, August 15, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its headquarters, 201 Vallecitos de Oro San Marcos. Donors may schedule an appointment time at this link.

History of Community Service Through Blood Drives

The first blood drive took place in 2007. Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins is an enthusiastic supporter of blood donation. He has donated 17.75 gallons of blood and has coordinated many previous events. Robbins said the District faced a challenge keeping the blood drives going during the pandemic due to the many necessary safety restrictions.

Mason Harvey has been receiving livesaving blood transfusions since he was 11 years old. He is now 15 years old. Photo: Harvey Family blood drive

Mason Harvey has been receiving livesaving blood transfusions since he was 11 years old. He is now 15 years old. Photo: Harvey Family

Then Robbins learned about a local resident, a Vista teen named Mason Harvey, with significant medical challenges who needed blood transfusions on a regular basis. He began receiving transfusions when he was 11 years old.

“I had reached the point where I needed something to invigorate my efforts to donate myself, and also schedule blood drives here at the District,” said Robbins. “One of my coworkers had heard about Mason’s health issues. I found his story so compelling, especially during the pandemic when blood donations became more complicated. It made me renew my efforts.”

Robbins and his family visited Mason during one of his regular hospital stays during the pandemic. They could only see him through a window from outside, but he knew they were there for moral support. “We couldn’t go in, but it was still good to see him up and out of bed.”

Vallecitos now hosts several blood drives annually for Mason and his family. “I made sure our staff were aware of Mason’s plight, and that we could add “MH21” to our donation so that he would get specific credit. This helps defray the cost of the family’s medical bills along with ensuring access to blood supplies when Mason needs them,” said Robbins.

Donors Can Schedule Now For August 15 Blood Drive

San Diego Blood Bank CEO Doug Morton, Mason Harvey, and Mason's parents Michelle and Jason Harvey. Photo: Harvey Family blood drive

San Diego Blood Bank CEO Doug Morton, Mason Harvey, and Mason’s parents Michelle and Jason Harvey. Photo: Harvey Family

Mason Harvey now attends Classical Academy High School (CAHS). He is a tireless ambassador for the San Diego Blood Bank, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and the Ronald McDonald House. Earlier this year on February 21, 2024, the City of Vista declared February 21, 2024, “Mason Harvey Day” and recognized Mason for his book “Not Your Average Slice of Pizza,” and for his help in passing the Restroom Access Act into law.

Mason also serves as captain for his Take Steps team, IBDetermined, and aims to raise $10,000 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

“My family and I are so thankful for the donors who had given their blood to save lives like mine,” said Mason. “When I needed blood, it was there for me immediately because good people had already donated. Just one donation of blood can save up to three lives. Your donation makes a difference, and I want to say thank you to the heroes who save lives with their kind and generous donations.”

Robbins will add another pint to his blood donation totals and encourages members of the community to take advantage of the convenient location at the Vallecitos Water District to schedule a donation.

“It only takes 15 minutes to donate blood, and you could save a life on August 15. All of us at the Vallecitos Water District who donate hope our efforts will help make sure Mason grows up tall and strong like his Mom and Dad,” said Robbins.