Phil Skinn achieved what few have accomplished as a regular blood donor.

Since he started 53 years ago, Skinn, 71, of Norwalk, donated his 17th gallon of blood last month at Huron St. Peter Catholic Church, his home parish. For comparison, if it were fuel, that would be enough to fill up a large vehicle’s gas tank.

“I believe that blood donation fills a serious need that can not be filled in other ways,” Skinn said.

He was inspired to donate after accompanying his father, James, to a blood drive at the Norwalk Eagles Club in the 1960s.

“Dad was a regular donor and I remember proudly when he achieved his 10th-gallon pin,” he said. “At that time, I had already begun to donate. I set a goal to beat dad’s 10-gallon achievement.”

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