Free estate planning for first responders, healthcare workers

The San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA), in partnership with Wills For Heroes Foundation, announced Oct. 4 that it will once again offer free wills and estate planning services to eligible first responders and licensed frontline healthcare workers in both San Diego and Imperial Counties at a virtual legal event spanning Oct. 4–29, 2021.

During the 2020 virtual event, nearly 100 local estate planning attorneys provided these pro bono services, and 223 heroes were assisted with their estate plans. For the first time, this year’s virtual event will serve both San Diego and Imperial Counties. It is expected to attract a similar number of volunteer attorneys with the capacity to serve hundreds of heroes in both regions.

The SDCBA has provided free wills, durable powers of attorney, and advance health care directives to first responders and their spouses or partners throughout San Diego County for the past decade through the Wills For Heroes program. Historically, the program has focused on serving first responders — firefighters, paramedics, EMT/EMS professionals, police officers, and correctional and probation officers. It was expanded last year to also serve licensed healthcare professionals, including local doctors, RNs, LPNs, PAs, CNAs, technicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, residents, interns, and medical students.

Through the Wills For Heroes program, these heroes can receive vitally important estate planning services from a licensed California attorney at no cost. Volunteer attorneys will spend up to one an hour with each hero in virtual meetings via conference call or video platform.

Participants qualify if they have an estate and net worth valued at less than $500,000. Net worth consists of cash, personal property, stock and bonds, real estate (equity only), savings, cash value of life insurance policy, and retirement assets like a 401(k) or an IRA. Heroes whose net worth exceeds $500,000 can be matched to an estate planning lawyer through the SDCBA’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service to pay for this service.

For guidelines and application, visit hbit.ly/3FmFlPJ.

Car club food and toy drive

On Nov. 13, the San Diego chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) will host a food and toy donation event at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 6767 51st St.

The AACA is inviting all car enthusiasts to participate, and welcome all hot rods, rat rods, customs, muscle cars, classics, pickups and antiques to participate. Organizers are asking participants to respect the church property and refrain from smoking, revving engines, doing burnouts, playing loud music or drinking alcohol.

The car club’s food and toy drive event will be held Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 6767 51st St. For more information, contact Ron Walling at [email protected].

Father Joe recognized with Spirit of Hope Award

The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties awarded the Spirit of Hope award to Father Joe Carroll in honor of his life-long service to end homelessness in San Diego. Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO at Father Joe’s Villages, accepted the award in honor of Father Carroll during the 19th annual Real Hero Awards, which was hosted virtually Oct. 1.

“It is with great respect and admiration that I accept the Spirit of Hope Award on behalf of Father Joe Carroll. I am extremely grateful and humbled that Father Joe’s outstanding acts of bravery, dedication and passion continue to make a positive impact and be recognized in the community. Father Joe instilled in us that no woman, man or child should have to live on the streets and brave the elements to survive. He developed innovative solutions that put the people experiencing homelessness and their needs first,” Vargas stated. “Everyday I see Father Joe’s legacy carried forward through the strong perseverance and compassion of our staff, volunteers, and community partners, like the Red Cross, as they serve our neighbors in need.Thank you to the American Red Cross Southern California for recognizing our great founder and President Emeritus, Father Joe Carroll, with this award and for your on-going service in the community.”