Carroll Easter Tradition Continues at St. Vincent’s
Shopping an Exercise in Budgeting and Indulgence

   SAN DIEGO — St. Vincent de Paul Village will take 65 resident-parents shopping for Easter outfits for their children at Target, located at 3245 Sports Arena Boulevard, on Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. (same time both days).

   The event, which this year will clothe 200 Village children, represents a family tradition Father Joe Carroll, president of the organization, remembers as a child.

   "Every Easter, my parents would buy my brothers, sisters and me new outfits," Father Joe says. "There were 10 of us and we didn’t have a lot in the way of money, but it was something my mom and dad felt was important for the kids and as a celebration of the holiday."

   New families – all of them once homeless – carry on the tradition every spring at St. Vincent’s. But shopping represents much more than new clothing for these parents.

   "Obviously parents living at the Village do not have the financial means to buy their children new outfits, so having that opportunity and the pride that comes along with clothing your children is very beneficial," Father Joe says. "But what’s more, our parents also get a lesson in budgeting – they have a $60 limit for each child and are not allowed to spend even a penny more."

  Volunteers from St. Vincent’s Ladies Guild will be on-hand toting calculators to help the parents keep track of their totals and provide tips on being resourceful.

   For more information (media only) on St. Vincent de Paul Village’s 11th annual Easter shopping event, call (619) 525-1608.

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