St. Vincent’s Parents To Enjoy Easter Shopping Spree
Holiday Shopping an Exercise in Budgeting and Indulgence

   SAN DIEGO — Up to 68 St. Vincent de Paul Village parents will storm the aisles of the Sports Arena Target store, located at 3245 Sports Arena Boulevard, as they shop for children’s Easter clothing and other necessities on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 3 and 4, from 7 to 8 a.m.

   Parents will be given $60 for each of their children and, with the help of volunteer "shopping assistants" from St. Vincent’s Ladies’ Guild, will search the store for clothing bargains, stretching every penny of their allotment.

   The $60 limit is strictly adhered to, says Village President Father Joe Carroll, who stresses the event is a lesson in budgeting.

   "You’ll see a mom scrambling through a sales rack and a volunteer not far behind frantically tallying the items in the cart with a calculator," says Father Joe. "If they go over – by even a penny – they put something back."

   The experience also gives Village parents the rare opportunity to purchase entire new outfits for their children.

   "I’ve seen parents cry just because it’s been so long since they last bought their kids new clothes," says Father Joe. "It’s a really special experience."

   After the parents purchase the items they have selected, they will sit down with the volunteer who helped them shop and enjoy coffee and doughnuts.

   "That’s my favorite moment," says Father Joe. "They’ll sit across from each other and just talk – about their kids, about work, about life."

   The interaction is a crucial part of rehabilitation, says Father Joe, explaining that many of the Village residents walk away from the visit encouraged and invigorated to get back on their feet.

   In addition to the parents, 17 teenagers from the Village’s Toussaint Teen Center will participate in the shopping spree.

   For information on live remote opportunities or for more information on St. Vincent de Paul Village’s other Easter festivities, please call (619) 525-1608.

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