MEDIA ADVISORY

St. Vincent's Encourages San Diegans to Make End-of-year Donations


   St. Vincent de Paul Village warehouse staff will accept usable-discard and auto donations at the organizationís 815 33rd Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Sunday, December 26 through Friday, December 31.

   This year is of particular importance to individuals considering donating their vehicles to charity, due to a tax law that will go into effect on January 1 that will limit the amount donors receiveas a deduction for their charitable gift.

   The last week of the year is traditionally the busiest for the St. Vincentís warehouse and thrift store staffs, a time when San Diegans clean out their closets, attics, kitchens and garages to make room for new items received over the holidays. Others donate to take advantage of the tax deductions that come along with their donations.

   "Our staff will issue a receipt that can be used when donors file their taxes as proof that a charitable gift has been made,"says Father Joe Carroll, president of St. Vincent's. "It's a great way to support our organization, while at the same time giving the donor a financial incentive to make the trip to the warehouse and donate usable discards."

   The donated items will either be sold at a St. Vincent's auction or in one of its many area thrift stores. Proceeds from the sale of those goods support the many programs and services the Village offers homeless families with children and single adults.

   For media inquiries, please call (619) 446-2109.

# # #