Holiday Shopping an Exercise in Budgeting AND Indulgence
Village Residents Practice Life Skills While Choosing Children’s Easter Outfits

   San Diego — In the annual St. Vincent’s shopping sojourn to the Sports Arena Target store (7:00 a.m. this Thursday & Friday) residents do more than just choose new Easter outfits for their children. Not surprisingly, though, the shopping remains the primary focus, as most participants haven’t shopped for anything new in a long time.

   Residents of the Village’s short- and long-term family rehabilitation programs are allotted $55 for each child, then encouraged to parlay that into as many outfits as possible. Target management and employees pull together to open the store one hour early to accommodate the special shopping contingent. Accompanied by a volunteer "Shopper’s Assistant" from the St. Vincent de Paul Ladies’ Guild, the parents search the aisles for bargains as they gather a cart full of both festive holiday garments and basic clothing items they may need. But regardless of needs or wants, the $55 limit is strictly adhered to, says Village President Father Joe Carroll. The shopping trip is really a budgeting lesson in addition to a special event.

   "We do make people put things back of the go over the limit," he says. "but you’d be amazed at how close they cut it. Most get within $1, but I’ve seen a couple really resourceful parents come in at $54.97, $54.98. It goes to show how a strict budget can work, if you work at it."

   The trip also reinforces the dignity that is the cornerstone of St. Vincent’s programs. By parents to shopping for their own kids, instead of receiving generic clothes or gifts, it reinforces family unity, a crucial element clients’ success.

   For more information on the St. Vincent de Paul Village Family Living Program or other Easter events, please call 619-687-1061.

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