St. Vincent’s Kids Go Back to School in Style, Thanks to Mervyn’s
Event Provides New Clothes, New Confidence for Village Youngsters

SAN DIEGO — Mervyn’s California will hold a shopping spree for 15 St. Vincent de Paul Village children at its store located at 3345 Sports Arena Boulevard on August 5, from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m.

   The nation-wide program, known as ChildSpree, awards non-profit organizations over $800,000 annually, $1,500 of which has been earmarked for St. Vincent’s. Each youngster will receive a $100 gift certificate and peruse the aisles of clothing, searching for the perfect outfit to don on the first day of school. The shoppers will receive an additional 15 percent off their purchases to make up for the cost of sales tax.

   Over the last five years, the program has helped more than 70,000 children not only go back to school in style, but also build self-esteem.

   "The new clothes help the kids feel good about themselves," said Children’s Services Program Manager Erin Milligan. "It allows them to have self-respect, which then turns into confidence and then to success in life."

   In addition to the new duds, children will receive backpacks compliments of the store’s corporate office and school supplies donated by Target.

   Mervyn’s started ChildSpree in an effort to assist economically disadvantaged children. The program reaches over 14,000 youngsters annually.

   In addition to this event, Mervyn’s also holds Community Closet, a program which gives Village women seeking employment the opportunity to shop for new work attire at no cost.

   For more information on these or other Mervyn’s community outreach programs, call (619) 223-8111 or visit www.mervyns.com.

**The event takes place before the store opens for business. Media are instructed to ring the bell at the main door for entry.

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