Strong love for family and a calling to give back is a driving force for Missoula donor Dorcie Dvarishkis.

Over the past 46 years, she’s donated blood across the country, but especially in Idaho and Montana. No matter where she lives, her faith in the process and good it does remains unshaken with a goal to give frequently, alternating whole blood and platelet donations.

“I feel so privileged to be in a place where there's a platelet center, and then to realize that you have that gift that so few choose to give and others can't give,” she said.

Dorcie started donating her O positive blood in high school while her mother battled cancer.

“I've lived with some of the people who have benefited. And you realize there's no substitute.”

She may not know the patient on the other end of the needle, but she’s no stranger to answering a call for compassion. Dorcie has been an ordained deacon at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Missoula for the past 10 years, where hosting blood drives has long been tradition.

“I think it's that connectivity to our neighbors, whether we know them or not, but we see ourselves moving throughout the community and blood is just one way that we can do that,” she said. “And good hospitality – people always love our treats.”

Her primary focus centers around connecting with young families at the Parenting Place and at-risk youth at locations, striving to be a shoulder to lean on and steady pillar for anyone short of support.

“I really believe that this world is in need of more hope,” she said. “And my faith has really brought that to me. It keeps me leaning forward versus retreating into the dark. And so, it keeps me out in the community.”

For Dorcie, faith and hope go hand-in-hand, and rolling up her sleeve extends that mission of outreach.

“It encourages me to stay in connection with people and understand what their story is,” she said. “I imagine just being alongside people, and saying I was with you today.”