Holiday Events Abound at St. Vincent’s
Line-up of Activities Brighten Season, Residents’ Lives

   SAN DIEGO — A wide selection of events are scheduled for residents and non-residents of St. Vincent de Paul Village throughout the remainder of this holiday season. The following list of scheduled events is current as of December 19; however, interested parties should call (619) 525-1608 prior to planning coverage of any specific event to guard against last-minute cancellations or changes of venue.

Wednesday, Dec. 20
   The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) will host its annual party for residents of the Toussaint Teen Center (TTC) at the corner of 5th and Ash. Holiday activities, food and fun will highlight the event, which starts at 6 p.m. and strives to instill the entrepreneurial spirit in young people of both genders.

Thursday, Dec. 21
   Goats, chickens and other small barnyard animals will arrive at their new temporary home at the Village located at 1501 Imperial Avenue. They are part of the "living nativity" that, over the years, has become a holiday staple at St. Vincent’s. The scene, which is always popular with many of the Village children who have never seen live farm animals, is accented by life-size figurines that are part of Father Joe’s international collection of over 350 nativity sets. The animals and the rest of the nativity will be on display through Dec. 28.

Thanks to the support of Metabolife International, Inc., more than 60 children from the Village will enjoy horseback riding, campfires and two nights and three days of fun with friends at the Rawhide Ranch, 6987 West Lilac Road,
in Bonsall.

Chic Images Studio, sponsor of the second annual "Portraits of Hope" event
held earlier this month, will return to St. Vincent’s, 1501 Imperial Avenue, from 6 to 8 p.m. to distribute portrait packages to more than 60 families. Residents will see for the first time the heirloom-quality prints valued at nearly $300 that were taken during the two-day event.

ST. VINCENT’S HOLIDAY CALENDAR

Sunday, Dec. 24
   A traditional holiday meal with all the trimmings will be served at 11 a.m. at the Village, 1501 Imperial Avenue, to nearly 2500 residents and non-residents. Father Joe will give the annual holiday blessing just before more than 200 volunteers begin serving the meal, which includes turkey and ham.

Monday, Dec. 25
   Residents and non-residents are invited to enjoy "Keith’s Breakfast," an annual meal put on by Keith McKay, vice president of St. Vincent’s retail division. Since 1984, McKay, assisted by friends, family, Village employees and volunteers, has prepared and served Christmas breakfast to thousands of clients and needy area neighbors at the 1501 Imperial Avenue homeless rehabilitation center. It is the only public meal served at the Village on Christmas Day.

Residents of the Toussaint Teen Center will travel to the Hyatt Regency San Diego, 1 Market Place, to enjoy a noon brunch. Father Joe will join the young people during the meal, which has become a holiday tradition for the 35 teen center residents.

Tuesday, Dec. 26
   The Village, located at 1501 Imperial Avenue, will serve its annual "We’re Still Here" roast beef lunch at 11 a.m. The meal underscores the fact that – unlike many organizations participating in seasonal outreach – St. Vincent’s prepares and serves more than 3,500 lunches and dinners every day of the year.

Monday, Jan. 1, 2001
   St. Vincent’s will serve its first lunch of the new century at 11 a.m. at 1501 Imperial Avenue. The meal represents the hope of a better year for people who will strive to turn their lives around during the next 12 months.

Check-in is required for all media representatives before filming or photography. For more information on these events, please call (619) 525-1608.

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