SVdP & Hollywood come together

You never know who you will see at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in Los Angeles. Even actor Adrian Grenier of HBO's 'Entourage' finds the Society's store and its thousands of items intriguing. Check out the store for yourself today! Info: 323-224-6280.

Parking Lot $ale on July 3 Kicks Off BIG Month at Long Beach Store

Celebrate the 4th of July weekend with a good ol' parking lot sale on Saturday, July 3 at the Society's store in LONG BEACH. Various everyday items will be discounted during this red, white and blue sale.

In addition, in celebration of our Long Beach store's first year anniversary, the month of July will be 'Customer Appreciation Month' as store items will be discounted 50%, beginning July 4 (some exclusions apply).

The Society's Long Beach store is located at 2750 Pacific Coast Hwy, 90804. For more information, call 562-494-9955.

Summer $aving$ Continue at Oxnard Store

Buy more for LE$$. Enjoy the hot summer days with these cool savings at St. Vincent de Paul's store in OXNARD:

* TODAY: Crazy Tag Sale (25% off)
* TUE: Senior Citizen Day (15% off)
* WED: Military Day (15% off)
* THUR: Senior Citizen Day (15% off)
* FRI-SUN: Special Weekend Sale (50% off)

NOTE: These sales are on select items and exclude purple tags, mattresses and bed frames.

The Society's Oxnard store is located at 1258 Saviers Rd., 93033. Directions can be found on the right side of this blog. Info: 805-487-1500.

Weekend of $avings at St. Vincent de Paul Stores

Enjoy the first weekend of summer by saving money on everyday items for the entire family at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul!

St. Vincent's stores offer trendy & vintage fashion, home decor and hidden treasures at LOW prices! And, you never know what you'll find on a daily basis. Your support also benefits the Society's outreach programs for families and individuals in need!

Store locations can be found at:

Los Angeles: 210 N. Avenue 21, 90031 / 323-224-6280
Long Beach: 2750 Pacific Coast Hwy., 90804 / 562-494-9955
Oxnard: 1258 Saviers Rd., 93033 / 805-487-1500

Directions to each store are located on the right side of this blog.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Cars and More Cars

Are you in need of a vehicle, but don't have much money to spend? You may be able to find a used vehicle that fits your pocket book at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul store at 210 N. Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031.

There's no middle man here, which keeps the prices down! And, your support benefits the Society various charitable programs for families and individuals in need. See if you can find the car you're seeking by visiting our Los Angeles location today.

Info: 323-224-6280.

Camp applications still being accepted for session 2

ATTN Parents & Guardians:

Camp applications are still available for children, ages 7-13, for session two at Circle V Ranch, July 3-8.

Boys and girls will enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming, hiking, archery, arts & crafts, field trips and more. In addition, campers will be mentored by caring counselors, taught valuable problem-solving and life skills and encouraged to dream, hope and just be kids in a safe and structured environment. In other words, camp is not only FUN but EDUCATIONAL, too.

Scholarships are available for children who qualify. Info: 323-224-6213.

How important are St. Vincent de Paul stores?

How important are the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's stores? Considering the results...VERY! They help improve the quality of life for disadvantaged and homeless families/individuals through various charitable programs and help shoppers save money on everyday items for the entire family!

How you can help...

* Tax-deductible donations needed include: clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics, vehicles and more.

* St. Vincent's stores offer trendy & vintage fashion, home decor and hidden treasures at LOW prices! Visit one of our three stores seven days a week. You never know what you'll find on any given day.

STORE SITES:

Los Angeles: 210 N. Avenue 21, 90031
Long Beach: 2750 Pacific Coast Hwy., 90804
Oxnard: 1258 Saviers Rd., 93033

TO DONATE, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 800-974-3571

Summer discount days at SVdP OXNARD Store

Buy more for LE$$. Celebrate the first week of summer with these discount days at St. Vincent de Paul's store in OXNARD:

* MON: Crazy Tag Sale (25% off)
* TUE: Senior Citizen Day (15% off)
* WED: Military Day (15% off)
* THUR: Senior Citizen Day (15% off)
* FRI-SUN: Special Weekend Sale (50% off)

NOTE: These sales are on select items and exclude purple tags, mattresses and bed frames.

The Society's Oxnard store is located at 1258 Saviers Rd., 93033. Directions can be found on the right side of this blog. Info: 805-487-1500.

SVdP's Cardinal Manning Center Opens Skid Row Computer Learning Center

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Council of Los Angeles opened a new Computer Learning Center on Wednesday at its Cardinal Manning Center on Skid Row.

The opening was celebrated with an official ribbon cutting led by Jan Perry, Council President Pro Tempore (9th District); Aileen Adams, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor, Office of Strategic Partnerships; David Fields, St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles Executive Director; Suzanne D. Manriquez, Senior Field Deputy for Supervisor Gloria Molina (1st District); James Weiss, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles President, Board of Directors; Pauley Perrette, Philanthropist & Actress (NCIS); Ursula Hyman, Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP; and Justin Mammen, Deputy Director, Cardinal Manning Center.

Funding to equip the Cardinal Manning's Computer Learning Center was provided by a group of partners from the Los Angeles office of Latham & Watkins, spearheaded by Ms. Hyman. The Computer Learning Center will be available to all homeless children, women and men to use that are on Skid Row, not just the residents of the shelter. There are 10 new computers as well as printers. A volunteer or shelter staff member will be in the center during all open hours to assist anyone with printing or any other computer needs. The Cardinal Manning Center will also be launching an educational program to teach basic computer skills needed for the current job market.

The computer learning center is open everyday but Saturdays with the following schedule:

Men’s Hours
Drop in: 7am-9am
Skills Improvement Time: 9am-11am

Women/Children Hours
Drop in: 12:30pm-2:30pm
Skills Improvement Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm

Cardinal Manning Center Residents Only Hours
5:30pm-8:30pm daily

For more than 50 years, the Society's Cardinal Manning Center has provided essential social services to homeless individuals and families to help them achieve and maintain self sufficiency while fostering a mentality of change that looks beyond charity.

Photos (l-r): Official ribbon cutting includes (from l-r) Jan Perry, David Fields, Ursula Hyman, Pauley Perrette and James Weiss; Father Pedro Villarroya, C.M. blesses the new computer learning center.

Sweet 16 for Los Angeles?

Big day in Los Angeles! Magic words: Game 7, Lakers (vs) Celtics. Will the Los Angeles Lakers raise their 16th NBA Championship banner tonight?

GO LAKERS!







SEND THOSE OTHER GUYS IN GREEN HOME EMPTY HANDED

$avings in Ventura County!

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in OXNARD has various discounts this week including:

* TODAY: Military Day (15% off)
* THUR: Senior Citizen Day (15% off)
* FRI-SUN: Special Weekend Sale (50% off)

NOTE: These sales are on select items and exclude purple tags, mattresses and bed frames.

The Society's Oxnard store is located at 1258 Saviers Rd., 93033. Directions can be found on the right side of this blog. Info: 805-487-1500.

Circle V Ranch Staff Goes to Training!

Nine members of the Circle V Ranch staff on Sunday participated in a day-long training session at the CATZ Sports Performance Center in Pasadena.

Camp Director Ray Lopez and his staff thanks CATZ owner and founder, Jim Liston, and his amazing staff for guiding them through a fun-filled and educational training session. This summer, the CATZ physical education program will be implemented at Circle V.

Ray says that "We were given tools to create a motivational and inclusive environment that would give youth the opportunity to love being physically active. We can’t wait to Introduce some of the games like Hickleball and Octopus tag. What’s Hickleball, you ask? You’ll have to wait until camp begins to find out!"

Only 13 days until session one begins! It’s not too late to register!

CATZ was a sponsor of the Council's 3rd Annual Camper by Camper Gala recently. Go to catzsports.com for more information about its center.

Photos (l-r): Members of the Circle V Ranch staff at a CATZ training session; CATZ owner and founder Jim Liston reminds the Circle V staff to Praise authentically, Instruct appropriately and Encourage when necessary (PIE).

This week's $aving$ at the Society's Long Beach Store

$AVINGS this week at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in Long Beach:

* TODAY: Ties and Belts (.99 cents)
* TUE: Women's Pants (25% off)
* WED: Books (50% off)
* THU: Women's Dresses (25% off)
* FRI: Men's Short Sleeve Dress Shirts (25% off)
* SAT: Children's Clothes (.99 cents)
* SUN: Purple Tag Clothing (50% off)

The Society's Long Beach store is located at 2750 Pacific Coast Hwy, 90804. Directions can be found on the right side of this blog. For more information, call 562-494-9955.

Create a lasting memory; Sponsor a child to camp this summer

What makes the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Circle V Ranch Camp in the Los Padres National Forest such a special place for children?

Consider the following responses:

"I was nervous (at first) because I didn't know anyone and it was my first time here. We did hikes, we painted, we did projects and we had fun. I didn't want to go home because we were having fun. I learned to be nice to everyone. I'm going to tell my friends at school about camp."

~ Fernanda Garcia, 8,

"They have a wonderful staff. From what I heard from my daughters, they were great. They were very helpful when they needed any help. The (staff) made them feel like they were at home, and that is very important for me to know as a mother."

~ Narce Santos, parent

For more than 60 summers, Circle V Ranch, which overlooks Lake Cachuma near beautiful Santa Barbara, has served as an oasis for thousands of children, ages 7-13. Each year, campers, many of whom are at-risk, participate in traditional camp activities, meet new friends, learn life-skills and receive mentoring from counselors in a positive environment where hopes and dreams are encouraged.

Lucas Sutton, 10, another first time camper, is autistic but benefited from Circle V. According to his mother, Marissa, a breakthrough occurred at camp for Lucas that neither she nor her husband expected.

"Attending camp was major because he had never been without us for more than eight hours. He did really well at Circle V. The counselors were great with him. They had some challenges, but they met them wonderfully."

Unfortunately, due to the economic downfall, numerous families can’t afford to send their children to Circle V. However, you can help create a lasting memory by sponsoring a child to Circle V Ranch during one of the eight (six days/five nights) sessions in July and August.

The cost per week that we would like to offset by your donation is $325 per person. A typical week at camp includes lodging, swimming, hiking, arts & crafts, drama, music, a field trip, three meals a day and more. Your donation in any amount is greatly appreciated!

Please help send a child to camp today! Checks earmarked ‘2010 Summer Camp’ can be sent to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 210 N. Avenue 21, Los Angeles, CA 90031. Information: 323-224-6213 or circlev@svdpla.org.

L.A. Council is Seeking Parishes for Bundle Sundays

The Society's Los Angeles Council is seeking parishes in the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara to assist with its BUNDLE SUNDAY program.

Parish members can easily support the program by donating their discards of usable clothing, household goods and misc. small items - as well as rags and newspapers - when they attend Mass on a scheduled Bundle Sunday. *Please note that this collection is for small items only, and that a free pick-up of large donations (furniture, appliances & electronics) can be made by calling 323-224-6280 or 800-97-HELP-1.

Donations serve two purposes: First - They are given to families in extreme-need through the Society's free distribution program; Second - They are resold in St. Vincent de Paul's thrift stores to help fund the Society's outreach programs. In either case, YOU are helping the less-fortunate and improving the local economy!

Information: 323-224-6274.

Discounts galore at Society's Oxnard Store. Today is Military Discount Day!

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in OXNARD has - as always - many discounts to offer this week including:

* TODAY: Military Day (15% off)
* THUR: Senior Citizen Day (15% off)
* FRI-SUN: Special Weekend Sale (50% off)

NOTE: These sales are on select items and exclude purple tags, mattresses and bed frames.

The Society's Oxnard store is located at 1258 Saviers Rd., 93033. Directions can be found on the right side of this blog. Info: 805-487-1500.

Archbishop Mitty High School students visit L.A. Council

To help bring the classroom to life and learn more about today's social issues, 25 senior-bound students from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose are currently on a nine day trip in California to witness reality up-close and personal.

Today the students stopped by the Society's Cardinal Manning Center in Skid Row, where half the group participated in an art project and helped prepare meals for the homeless, while the other half attended the Council's store in Los Angeles to help sort books and assist in the production department.

According to ethics teacher Kevin Dunn, this is the first time he and his students have come to the Society in Los Angeles. This is the third time Dunn has brought a class to L.A.,as this trip serves as the culmination of his student's school project.

Other highlights of the trip have included serving the poor in San Francisco and learning about farm workers, immigrants and migration in the Salinas area.

Photos: Students from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose lend a hand at the Society's store in L.A.

There's NO crying over these great prices at the Society's Long Beach Store!

YOU won't be crying over the ridiculous savings this week at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in Long Beach:

* TODAY: Women's Pants (25% off)
* TUE: Men's Shirts (50% off)
* WED: Women's Dresses (25% off)
* THU: Children's Clothing (25% off)
* FRI: Women's Long Sleeve Shirts (25% off)
* SAT: Belts & Ties (.99 cents)
* SUN: Linen (50% off)

The Society's Long Beach store is located at 2750 Pacific Coast Hwy, 90804. For more information, call 562-494-9955.

Stay cool this weekend and shop St. Vincent de Paul

Beat the heat this weekend - NOT by riding your bike into a pool - but by shopping in one of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's three 'cool' stores, where you will save a lot of $$$ on everyday items for the entire family!

St. Vincent's stores offer trendy & vintage fashion, home decor and hidden treasures at LOW prices! And, the inventory changes daily!

Store sites:

Los Angeles: 210 N. Avenue 21, 90031 / 323-224-6280
Long Beach: 2750 Pacific Coast Hwy., 90804 / 562-494-9955
Oxnard: 1258 Saviers Rd., 93033 / 805-487-1500

Directions to each store are located on the right side of this blog.

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Circle V Ranch to hold FREE Open House on June 5; RSVP required for lunch

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's CIRCLE V RANCH CAMP - which overlooks Lake Cachuma off Highway 154 - will hold a FREE Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 5 at Forest Route 6N04, Santa Barbara, 93105.

Guests will be able to tour the facility, enjoy camp activities, have lunch and learn more about Circle V Ranch and summer camp, which is celebrating its 65th season in 2010. Parents and/or guardians will also be able to register children for camp. Scholarships are available for boys and girls who qualify.

Circle V Ranch will host eight one-week camp sessions in July and August, where children, ages 7-13, will participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, hiking, archery, arts & crafts and more. In addition, campers will be mentored by caring counselors, taught valuable problem-solving and life skills and encouraged to dream, hope and just be kids in a safe and structured environment.

Because lunch will be provided, the public is asked to RSVP by 9 a.m. on June 4 by calling 323-224-6213 or e-mailing circlev@svdpla.org. Directions to Circle V Ranch can be found by clicking on the camp map in the right column of this blog.

$avings this week at the Society's Long Beach Store

$AVINGS this week at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in Long Beach:

* TODAY: Purple Tag Clothing (25% off)
* THU: Men's Pants (25% off)
* FRI: Ties and Belts (.99 cents)
* SAT: Linen (25% off)

The Society's Long Beach store is located at 2750 Pacific Coast Hwy, 90804. Directions can be found on the right side of this blog. For more information, call 562-494-9955.

A Letter from the Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles

A letter of thanks from Most Reverend José H. Gomez, S.T.D., Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles, to the Society's L.A. Council President Jim R. Weiss: