Say Cheese! Village Children Will Show Off Pearly Whites
Professional Photographers Donate Services, Provide Lasting Memories

   SAN DIEGO — As many as 180 infants, children and teens living at St. Vincent de Paul Village will have their pictures taken free of charge by a local professional photography group on Monday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 7 p.m. at the downtown shelter located at 1501 Imperial Avenue. Maximum visual impact will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., the event’s busiest hour.

   For the second time in as many years, the Professional Photographers of San Diego will be on hand to capture the youngsters’ countenances on film.

   St. Vincent’s Children Services Program Manager Erin Milligan says the event gives youngsters an opportunity which otherwise would be unavailable to them.

   "Parents living at St. Vincent’s are on very tight budgets and are saving as much as they can to prepare themselves for self-sufficient lives," she says. "That means there is not a lot of money left over for extras like pictures taken by a professional photography studio."

   Spokesperson for the photography group Caresse Muir says 18 volunteers will come together to snap the head shots, which for many Village children represents the first time they will have their pictures taken professionally.

   "It’s our way to give back to the community," Muir says. "In a way, it’s selfish on our part because we get a really good feeling from seeing all of those smiling faces."

   A community room at the Village will transform into a working photography studio with lights, backdrops and two cameras, says Muir, adding everything – film and processing included – will be donated.

   The pictures will be returned to the children before Mother’s Day, says Milligan, making them the perfect gift for mom.

   For more information on Monday’s event, call (619) 525-1608. For more information on St. Vincent’s children’s programs, call (619) 687-1066.

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