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Charitable SD JANUARY 9, 2025

How San Diegans Can Support Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts

Donate your supplies and money to these Los Angeles and San Diego organizations providing relief

How San Diegans Can Support Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts
Photo Credit: Rama McCabe

Last Updated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15.

The worst wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history is still raging after days of destruction. Over 40,000 acres have burned across Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst, reducing thousands of structures–businesses, homes, schools–to rubble. 150,000 people are still under evacuation order. Our SoCal neighbors need our help.

Here’s what you can do to support people and pets affected by the LA fires. We’ll continue to update this list as more info comes in. Email us at [email protected] if you know of additional opportunities to donate or volunteer.

Where to Donate Financially

Before you give, consider looking up the organization on charitynavigator.org, which rates the legitimacy of nonprofits.

2025 Pacific Palisades fires in Los Angeles
Photo Credit: Rama McCabe

Where to Volunteer or Donate Supplies

Organizations in San Diego

  • Donate blood. Blood banks in affected areas have closed, and regular donors in Los Angeles can’t give. You can help replenish SoCal’s supply by giving blood at San Diego Blood Bank, which serves hospitals in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.
  • Foster an animal. San Diego Humane Society has helped Pasadena Humane with evacuation efforts, and transported dozens of displaced pets to San Diego. SDHS needs the community’s help to keep shelter space clear. If you can foster a dog or cat, visit sdhumane.org/foster. Bunny World Foundation is also looking for temporary foster homes for bunnies. Email [email protected] if you can foster, or shop their Amazon wish list here.
  • Donate food. Feeding San Diego is transporting truckloads of food to LA over the next few weeks. Biggest needs are packaged and shelf-stable snacks, non-perishables, and ready-to eat-meals. Drop off at Feeding San Diego in Sorrento Valley (9477 Waples St. Ste. 100 San Diego, CA 92121), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also donate funds to Feeding San Diego to help purchase essential items and fill the trucks. More information here.
  • Donate supplies. Rock Church Point Loma is collecting water, baby supplies, blankets, protein bars, and more to distribute to affected families and first responders. Donations will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, January 13. Get more information here.
  • Donate supplies. Submerge Church OB is accepting donations on Sunday, January 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. They’re looking for bottled water, dry goods, clothing and N95 masks. More information here.
  • Donate supplies, or volunteer to help sort them. ICA San Diego / North’s donation drive has concluded and three trucks filled with supplies and food are en route to LA.
  • Donate supplies, or help transport them. Pick and Dump Junk Removal and Crisan Junk Removal has also concluded their donation drive after filling multiple trucks.
  • Donate supplies. Whiskey & Leather is accepting clothing for kids, women, and men, but the greatest needs are kids’ toys and diapers. More information here.
  • Donate supplies. Puppies & Golf is accepting donations for both people and pets, including new/like new blankets and towels and pet food and supplies. Monday is the last day to donate. More information here.
  • Donate pet supplies. Freddie’s Place Animal Hospital, in partnership with Frontwave Arena and the San Diego Sockers, is collecting donations on behalf of animal welfare organizations that are assisting displaced and injured animals. Needs include towels and blankets, water bowls, pet food (dry and canned), pet beds, treats, and toys. Drop off at Frontwave Arena from January 13 to 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; during San Diego Sockers games on Wednesday, January 15 and Friday, January 17 from 4 to 7 p.m.; and at Freddie’s Place Animal Hospital in Vista, Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. More information here.
  • Donate pet supplies. San Diego Humane Society–which has taken in animals from LA–accepts supplies at any of their campuses from Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The most helpful items to donate to the San Diego Humane Society are:
    • Shelf-stable pet food (new bags and cans, or opened bags in the original packaging)
    • New pet supplies (collars, litter, pee pads, flea medication, beds, brushes, treats, toys, etc.)
    • New or gently used blankets, pillowcases, flat sheets, towels (washed with no holes or stains)
    • New or gently used X-pens or crates
    • Clean and gently used fur items (coats, shawls, etc.)
    • Cardboard box tops or trays (repurposed for disposable litter boxes)
    • Newspapers
    • Items from the organization’s Amazon or Chewy wish lists 
  • Donate toys. Callie is accepting new or gently used stuffed animals to give to kids affected by the fires. Drop off at the donation bin by the host stand.

Organizations in Los Angeles

San Diego Businesses Offering Free Meals & Fundraising Specials

Places Offering Shelter Assistance

  • The San Diego Tourism Authority has compiled a list of hotels that are offering discounted rates for people affected by the fires. See the full list here, and check back; it’ll be regularly updated.
  • Love Living Management is also providing discounts on furnished housing in San Diego County.
2025 Pacific Palisades fires in Los Angeles
Photo Credit: Rama McCabe

How to Stay Informed and Prepare for Wildfires

  • Download Watch Duty to stay up-to-date on nearby fires and evacuation notices.
  • Download SD Emergency to get San Diego-specific emergency notifications.
  • Memorize The 6 P’s of Fire Evacuation: What to Prioritize in the Event of a Fire.
    • People and pets
    • Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
    • Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
    • Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
    • Personal computer hard drive and disk
    • Plastic (credit/debit cards) and cash 

Source:  Los Angeles Fire Department

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Charitable SD AUGUST 24, 2026

La Jolla’s Historical Society Debuts New Name & Mission

After more than six decades of preserving the community’s past, the newly renamed museum is expanding how it tells its stories

La Jolla’s Historical Society Debuts New Name & Mission
Courtesy of Museum of History and Culture La Jolla

La Jolla has a rich history. From its roots as Kumeyaay territory and early days shaped by influential San Diegans like Ellen Browning Scripps to the vibrant hub for arts, culture, and education that it is today, the roughly seven-mile stretch along the coast has long been a local gem. 

In 1964, a group of volunteers came together to preserve the history of the community. They formed the La Jolla Historical Society, which has since evolved into the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla. For the past 62 years, the organization has worked to protect historic buildings, archival materials, and recorded memories, ensuring the character of the neighborhood would endure well into the future. 

“La Jolla is a small community, but it has a fascinating history,” says Lauren Lockhart, executive director of the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla. “The focus was always on how do we preserve the stories, places, and people that make La Jolla unique, and that remains central to our mission.”

However, in its early days, the organization was limited in what types of programming it could offer because it didn’t have a permanent homebase. A pivotal point came in 2008, when it was gifted Wisteria Cottage, originally the private residence of Virginia Scripps, by descendants of the Scripps family. The historic Craftsman cottage had been remodeled by famed architect Irving Gill, whose other modernist works are peppered throughout La Jolla, adding to its distinctive look. The organization then launched a capital campaign to expand into a museum-quality space to host exhibitions and to store the tens of thousands of photos, drawings, postcards, and other materials in its collection, Lockhart explains. 

“At that point the organization could really begin to invest in developing a public space and public programs that would give back to the community,” she adds. “That effort accelerated with my predecessor, Heath Fox, who pushed the organization to think about an exhibition program that was interdisciplinary in nature. It’s something that drew me to this organization and that I’ve continued to advocate for because examining history through lenses of art, architecture, science, and literature is so compelling and such a great way to bring different audiences into the fold.”   

Courtesy of Museum of History and Culture La Jolla

The organization entered another period of transformation this year when it “outgrew” its previous identity as La Jolla Historical Society and officially rebranded as the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla. The organization had transitioned from a traditional historical society into a professionally operated museum and wanted to reflect that while also amplifying its ability to connect with broader audiences. 

“We’ve grown so far beyond what a traditional historical society might offer to the public that we were finding that often, especially younger generations, they would come through our doors and say, ‘Wow, it’s a lot cooler than I thought it would be,’ which is a nice compliment, but it made us ask ourselves who’s not coming through our doors because they’re not sure what we have to offer or that they will see themselves reflected here,” says Lockhart. “We wanted to remove that barrier and make sure that everyone, just from recognizing our name, will think, That sounds like there’s something there for me, and that definitely is evidenced in our current programming and exhibitions.”  

Courtesy of Museum of History and Culture La Jolla

The change, she says, has been a long time coming. “We’ve already made a lot of huge strides over the years,” Lockhart says. “It’s about our name catching up to our work.”

The Museum of History and Culture La Jolla’s current exhibits include Stories in Cloth: Communicating Through Textiles, presented in partnership with the Visions Museum of Textile Art at Liberty Station, on display through September 6. On deck is The Scientific Art of Historic Preservation, which explores the processes behind the museum’s mission. To honor the philanthropic spirit of the Scripps sisters, admission to the museum and many of its public programs are free of charge. 

Sarah Sapeda

About Sarah Sapeda

Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.

Charitable SD AUGUST 19, 2026

12 Charitable Events to Attend in September 

Here’s where to celebrate, connect, give back, and make a difference this month

12 Charitable Events to Attend in September 
Courtesy of Girl Scouts of San Diego | Photo Credit: Sam Hodgson / Uptown 11 Studios

September 4: Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Day of Service

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter will honor the legacy of the late Jimmy Buffet with a fundraiser for the San Diego Music Foundation. Its Day of Service at its rooftop bar will feature a performance by The Buffett Band, a travel and experience themed silent auction, and interactive entertainment. 

September 5: McAlister Institute Walk for Sobriety

Hundreds of San Diegans will gather at NTC Park at Liberty Station for the McAlister Institute’s 14th Annual Walk for Sobriety. In addition to the walk, the event will include a resource fair with more than 35 nonprofits, healthcare providers, and community organizations that are part of a network of support for those in recovery. 

September 14: Promises2Kids Dream On Concert Gala 

Foreigner will take the stage to benefit Promises2Kids at its Dream On Concert Gala at a private home in La Jolla. Proceeds from the exclusive event will help Promises2Kids create a brighter future for local foster kids. 

September 17: Lucky Duck Foundation 2026 Showcase Soirée

The Lucky Duck Foundation will host its annual Showcase Soirée at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s mission to prevent and alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County. 

September 17: Emilio Nares Foundation Harvest for Hope

Show your support for families of local children with life-threatening diseases at the Emilio Nares Foundation’s Harvest for Hope at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Funds raised will benefit programs like Ride With Emilio, which provides no-cost transportation for families seeking medical treatment, and Healing Through Nature activities for kids in recent cancer remission. 

September 18: Girl Scouts San Diego Urban Campout 2026

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Girl Scouts San Diego’s Camp Winacka, the organization will host a nostalgic evening under the stars. This year’s Urban Campout: Ignite the Possibilities at Girl Scouts San Diego’s Balboa Campus will feature camp-inspired cuisine, cocktails, and activities. 

September 19: Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego’s An Evening of Changing Lives

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego will celebrate its impact on local youth at its 13th annual An Evening of Changing Lives. Proceeds from the gala at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina support programs that promote academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.

September 19: Youth Tennis San Diego Annual Gala 

Youth Tennis San Diego will honor the sport’s American icons at its annual gala at the Barnes Tennis Center. An Evening Celebrating Tennis Heritage & Legends will help the nonprofit make tennis accessible to all youth in San Diego, regardless of background or skill level. 

September 19: Serving Seniors Sunshine Gala 

Serving Seniors will produce a Jukebox Broadway-style show for its highly anticipated Sunshine Gala. The evening at the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar will support Serving Seniors’ compassionate and life-changing services for seniors in need throughout San Diego. 

September 26: Doors of Change 2026 Concert of Hope

Tom Petty Tribute Band, PettyBreakers, will take the stage at the Doors of Change 2026 Concert of Hope at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. This year, the nonprofit will celebrate its 25th year of transforming the lives of unhoused youth. 

September 26: Boys to Men Mentoring 100 Wave Challenge

Boys to Men Mentoring will celebrate 30 years of service this year at its annual 100 Wave Challenge. The annual surf-a-thon event welcomes hundreds of surfers who attempt to catch 100 waves in one day and raise $1,000 or more to support Boys to Men Mentoring.

September 26: The Party in the Park

The San Diego Automotive Museum will host The Party in the Park to raise money for the museum and programs that equip youth for careers in the automotive industry. The Roaring 20s-themed event at the Balboa Park institution will feature live jazz and an exhibit of 1920s automobiles. 

Sarah Sapeda

About Sarah Sapeda

Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.

Everything SD AUGUST 13, 2026

A Rare Look Inside Callaway Golf’s San Diego Test Center

The Ely Callaway Performance Center is where tour-level fittings, cutting-edge technology, and golf equipment you can’t buy yet all come together

A Rare Look Inside Callaway Golf’s San Diego Test Center
Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

“Come test something.”

Those are quite possibly my three favorite words in the English language—all due respect to “I love you” or the highly underrated “you were right.”

I’ve been a PGA Golf Professional since 1994, and yes, full bias disclosure, a Callaway Golf Ambassador for 18 years. One of the bonuses that comes with that combo is access to the Ely Callaway Performance Center—a place so exclusive it gives “velvet rope” vibes.

Originally opened in 2006 as a highly functional (yet not exactly breathtaking) test facility, the ECPC got a serious glow-up in 2018 when Gil Hanse (along with partner Geoff Shackelford) turned it into what can only be described as a fully engineered golf playground. Hanse is no stranger to golf course renovations. In 2024, he completed an extensive redesign of the Omni La Costa North Course in Carlsbad, so it could host the NCAA Division 1 Golf Championships. He also worked on acclaimed courses like Winged Foot, Merion Golf Club, and Oakmont Country Club.

In just two months, it went from a standard test center and R&D lab to a fully dialed-in golf playground.

Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

What was once purely practical is now intentionally designed to be both precise and inspiring. The targets are staggered with purpose—forcing creative shot-making while also calling you out on your actual distances (no more “that’s my 150-yard club … ish”).

Add a massive hitting area, bunkers and greens that mimic real on-course conditions, a “Himalayas” putting green (named for its roller-coaster undulations), an upgraded indoor putting lab, and a 120-decibel sound system blasting a very golf-appropriate playlist, and suddenly it’s a rare blend of high-performance testing facility and “don’t mind if I stay here all day” energy. Since this isn’t exactly open to the public, SDM asked me to take you behind the curtain.

As the iron gates part, it feels less like arriving at a practice facility and more like being granted backstage access at a rock concert—if the bandmembers were made entirely of launch monitors and perfectly manicured turf.

There are no mats. No guessing. No “I think that one felt good?” Just conditions that mirror exactly what tour players see in competition. Because when you’re testing equipment at this level, accuracy isn’t a bonus—it’s the whole point.

Even the sand matters. Different textures. Different densities. Because bunkers have personalities, too, and they are often unfriendly. And the golf balls? Brand. New. Not the usual “these have seen some things” range balls. New balls mean consistent spin, truer trajectory, and no surprises. The older a golf ball gets—and the more it’s been baked in the sun, scuffed, or generally lived a full and complicated life—the less reliable it becomes. Think of it like this: fresh ball, predictable performance; old range ball, slight chaos with a side of mystery.

I’m escorted to my personal hitting bay—basically a pop-up shaded oasis stocked with enough equipment to make a gear junkie weak in the knees. Shafts in every weight and profile imaginable. Heads lined up like they’re waiting to be drafted by their favorite team.

Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

Toptracer technology was patiently waiting to track every one of my swings, each shot instantly delivering ball speed, launch, spin, carry distance, and dispersion (a polite way of saying consistency, or lack thereof), so there’s no guessing—just data telling the truth, whether I like it or not.

We start with irons. Different heads, different feels, different results. When I miss a shot, the ball tends to leak right, so we check lie angle. A quick adjustment—2 degrees upright—and suddenly the clubface is consistently square at impact like it remembered its job. Effort level: down. Ball flight: improved. Confidence: creeping back.

Next we look at the different shaft options—because nothing says “fun afternoon” like realizing a higher kick point can change your entire golf identity. Shaft flex (how much the shaft bends during your swing) helps determine whether you get more height and distance or more control, while kick point (where the shaft bends the most) influences your ball flight—lower kick point for higher launch, higher kick point for a flatter, more penetrating shot. In other words, one small tweak and suddenly you’re hitting shots you’d normally only describe later, slightly exaggerated, over a glass of wine.

Then we move through the bag: hybrids, fairway woods, drivers, wedges. It’s a full rotation of “try this,” “now try this,” and “okay wait … THAT one.”

And yes—the new Quantum driver and fairway woods made an appearance. Without getting too deep in the weeds, they’re faster, more forgiving, and smarter (thanks to AI face mapping) than previous models. Translation: Even your mishits are now slightly less embarrassing. And they were not the only things getting tested. My patience was under attack because the driver and woods would not be available to the public for a good three months.

Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

Watching the fitting team work is like watching a Formula 1 pit crew. Clubs are swapped in seconds. Shafts tightened, adjusted, replaced. One minute you’re swinging something that seems “fine,” and the next, you’re holding a club that feels like it is a part of your DNA.

Then there’s the putter fitting. Drivers are physics. Putters are therapy. Inside the putting lab, sensors track everything—tempo, face angle, path—things you didn’t even know could be measured. Within minutes, my data politely informs me that my putter face is slightly closed at impact. Not shocking, but also not ideal.

A few quick adjustments—different head (with a bit more weight at the toe to discourage the face swinging closed at impact), shorter shaft (so I feel more over the ball, which helps my eyeline)—and suddenly the ball starts rolling exactly where I’m aimed.

Same stroke. Same golfer. Completely different outcome. If only the rest of life worked like that.

And then there’s the part that feels slightly classified. The ECPC isn’t “just” a performance center—it’s also where future equipment lives before the public even knows it exists. I’ve been there when certain clubs were basically under surveillance. Not “don’t touch,” but more “please keep phones in your pocket.”

It’s golf’s version of Area 51. Except instead of aliens, it’s drivers that won’t hit shelves for another year—and like I mentioned, waiting is not my strong suit.

Getting to test the newest equipment isn’t just a perk—it’s part of the job. It’s what allows me to stand in front of students and say, “I’ve tried it. I know what works and what doesn’t. And more importantly, I know why.” And if I happen to sprint to my car every time the phone rings and someone says, “Come test something” … well, that’s just professional courtesy.

Other Fitting Spots in SD

Callaway isn’t the only place to get your swing analyzed and clubs fitted. You can stroll into big retail spots like The Golf Mart or Golf Galaxy, book a next-level session at a dedicated studio like Club Champion or True Spec Golf, test brand-specific gear at various manufacturing companies (many located in Carlsbad), or even combine a lesson and a fitting at GOLFTEC. And let’s not forget your local golf course, where fittings happen on actual turf, on a driving range you have some history with—many times with the golf professional who is familiar with your swing so they can give you valuable input. With this many options, there’s really no excuse, other than pride, to keep blaming your clubs.

Studio S MAY 5, 2026

Artistry, Aesthetics, and Inclusive Luxury

KQ Aesthetic Society goes beyond cosmetic to provide comprehensive care and transformative results

Artistry, Aesthetics, and Inclusive Luxury

Kelly H. Harfouche, founder of KQ Aesthetic Society, knows firsthand that cosmetic treatments like fillers, neurotoxins, and microneedling, can not only enhance a person’s appearance and restore confidence, they have the power to truly change a person’s life. An expert injector has the ability to tailor treatments to each individual patient’s anatomy and goals for personalized results. Harfouche, a board-certified nurse practitioner, has spent nearly a decade perfecting her craft as an aesthetic injector and integrating her multifaceted artistic skills with precision patient care. Her commitment to continual education and training, plus a passion for helping people look—and feel—their best, set KQ Aesthetic Society apart in a sea of local medspas. 

For many people considering nonsurgical treatments, the intent is to look refreshed and refined. KQ Aesthetic Society’s philosophy eschews a cookie cutter approach that bases treatments around units, instead working to understand each person’s unique goals, then curating a treatment plan to fit that vision. Harfouche focuses on “inclusive luxury,” the belief that everyone deserves access to aesthetic treatments, respective of budget restrictions. She develops long-standing trusted relationships with her patients, and works with each one to achieve their aesthetic objectives and address the underlying causes of their concerns. 

“For me, forming an honest and open relationship with every patient who walks through the door is essential. This means understanding them on a deeper level and meeting them where they are to define and achieve their individual goals,” she says. 

Drawing on her artistic background, which inspired her transition into medical aesthetics, Harfouche sees each client as a “unique canvas.” Rather than relying on standardized procedures, the practitioner’s distinctive approach combines her profound understanding of the physiological and anatomical changes associated with aging with an unwavering commitment to ongoing education about the newest products and their mechanisms of action. Her goal is to make each patient feel beautiful in their own skin and to embrace their individuality. 

She has also pioneered a way to combine her talent for aesthetic artistry with her philanthropic nature. Harfouche is one of only a handful of providers using dermal fillers to treat patients with lip asymmetry and scarring resulting from cleft lip surgery. Patients travel from around the country for this transformative treatment, noting increased confidence and a restored identity. She hopes to eventually launch a training program to help fill the void in this space.  

“My passion has always been connecting with people and giving back in any capacity that I can,” she says. In the rapidly advancing landscape of aesthetic medicine, you can place your confidence in Harfouche and KQ Aesthetic Society to deliver exceptional care. To learn more or book a consultation, please visit kqaestheticsociety.com.

Charitable SD JULY 27, 2026

Where San Diego Seniors Find Support and Community

Serving Seniors provides meals and coordinated services to more than 13,000 older adults each year, aided by a dedicated volunteer network

Where San Diego Seniors Find Support and Community
Courtesy of Serving Seniors

Seniors today face challenges that were unimaginable to previous generations, and some turn to nonprofit organizations to bridge the gap. Serving Seniors helps low-income older adults with housing assistance, social services, and more. The nonprofit provides 1.5 million meals and coordinated services to 13,265 older adults each year, the majority living on less than $1,125 per month. 

Dedicated volunteers, like Fred Davis, help make this important work possible. Since roughly 2008, Davis has spent six days a week at the Serving Seniors Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center serves as a liaison to help clients access much-needed resources. Here, he shares what keeps him coming back day after day. 

Courtesy of Serving Seniors

What made you want to get involved with Serving Seniors?

I have a community outreach ministry and my grandson and I were on the streets downtown handing out sack lunches, water, hygiene products, clothes and shoes, and things like that and I noticed that most of the people I met appeared to be seniors. So the next logical step for me was to find a senior group that I could work with. I heard about Serving Seniors, and I made a few phone calls. No one really responded to me, so I showed up. They opened the door for me and now they can’t get rid of me. I found a home. I’ve met some really good people over the years. And as it turned out, I’ve been here longer than most of them. I’ve been here at the West Center ever since the doors opened. And matter of fact, I was the one who gave Gary and Mary West an award for their generous donation that made it possible to open up this center.

What do your volunteer duties entail? 

I’m in ministry, but I don’t want that to be the highlight of what I do. It’s not just a passion for serving people, it’s a calling. I like the idea of giving and serving people and trying to meet their needs. So I counsel, I oversee the serving of the lunches, and I work with the head of the volunteer group. I’m involved in different activities. Matter of fact, this coming Saturday, I’m going to take a group of seniors out sailing. I also helped start the Civic Engagement Group. It was a group of us, and there are about three members that are left from when we originally started it. Now Serving Seniors is taking it over, and my role is to work with them. I also took it a little bit further and ended up joining Aging and Independent Services and sat on that advisory board for a number of years. That led to me being elected to the California Senior Legislature. So I’ve been advocating for seniors for a very long time. They’re a vulnerable group. They worked hard and don’t always get the respect that they deserve. 

Courtesy of Serving Seniors

What do you like best about volunteering at Serving Seniors? 

The people—this is my target group right here. I don’t have to walk the streets like my grandson and I did anymore; they’re right here. I’m here every day at the West Center but Sunday. 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced? 

The biggest challenge is not being able to help someone who really needs the help. But we try to find a way. I reach out to different organizations, faith-based organizations or other nonprofits, sometimes with success and a lot of times without success. There are quite a few people that are in need who are hardworking people, dedicated people who still want to provide for themselves and their family, and they’re just caught in that void.

Courtesy of Serving Seniors

Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while volunteering?

I was handing out clothes; I usually have a sock drive and I gave a homeless person a pair of socks. As they peeled their filthy socks off their feet, this person cried. You don’t know how important these little things are that we take for granted. It was really touching. 

Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?

A lot of people use the term giving back, but I just say giving. When you say ‘giving back,’ that means you’re trying to repay something and you’re taking credit. But giving is a passion. It’s something that you do from your heart, not out of obligation. 

Sarah Sapeda

About Sarah Sapeda

Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.

Charitable SD JULY 22, 2026

In Photos: San Diego’s Scoop Ice Cream Festival

The beloved annual festival raised a record-breaking $60,000 for Feeding San Diego

In Photos: San Diego’s Scoop Ice Cream Festival
Photos Courtesy of Scoop Ice Cream Festival

More than 6,000 ice cream lovers devoured tasty treats at this year’s Scoop Ice Cream Festival for a great cause. The event on June 28 launched an ongoing partnership with Feeding San Diego and raised $60,000, or enough to provide 120,000 meals to San Diegans facing hunger. 

See photos from the night below.

Sarah Sapeda

About Sarah Sapeda

Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.

Partner Content MARCH 26, 2026

Design Leaders & Innovative Interiors: AVRP Studios

A look at San Diego's top designers creating unique environments that combine creativity and function

Design Leaders & Innovative Interiors: AVRP Studios


AVRP Studios’ tradition for Design Excellence and Innovation began in 1976 with Doug Austin, FAIA, in Solana Beach, California. The firm has since grown to complete major projects throughout the United States and Canada. We think of ourselves as a family and we care deeply about people. We want to inspire, help make their lives richer and more complete through our efforts. We believe that architecture is one of the most important art forms because of the impact it can have on the lives of those it touches. We’re delighted to have been recognized with over 150 awards for design excellence.

703 16th Street, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92101  |  619-704-2700  |  avrpstudios.com

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