REMINDER: Friday, July 1 is BIG Independence $ale in L.A.

In recognition of the Fourth of July holiday, the Society will hold a BIG Independence $ale tomorrow, Friday, July 1 at St. Vincent de Paul's store at 210 N. Avenue 21 in Los Angeles.

Please see attached flyers. Directions to our store can be found on the right side of this blog.

SVdP finalist for 'Organization of the Year'

The Los Angeles Business Journal recognized the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as one of the three best local mid-size nonprofit organizations earlier today at a luncheon held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A.

Claire Padama, president of the Society's Council of Los Angeles, considered it an honor and is grateful for the hard work the Council's staff and volunteers put in during the year to help those in need through various acts of charity.

Padama stated that the staff and group of 'Vincentions' volunteers give above and beyond to help our "friends whenever they seek our assistance to improve their lives."

St. Vincent de Paul - founded locally in 1908 - provides an array of services to those in need in our local communities. Information: 323-224-6287.

Photo (l-r): Society representatives include James Bibb, Anthony Terrazas, President Claire Padama, Executive Director David Fields, Nancy Davis, Grace Casian and Catalina Miller.

Have the Society's blog updates sent to your email address

You can now follow the Society's Los Angeles Council while you're on the move. Just place your email address in the 'Follow the Society's blog via email' box on the right side of this blog and hit the submit button. When the blog is updated you'll be one of the first to know.

BIG Independence $ale on Friday, July 1

In honor of our country's birthday, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's store in Los Angeles will hold a BIG Independence $ale from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 1 at 210 N. Avenue 21, 90031 (just down the hill from Dodger Stadium).

Not only will there be discounts to help our customers save more money during this challenging economy, but individuals born on July 4 will receive an additional 25% off their total purchases (ID verification required).

Please note that store revenue from this event supports various St. Vincent de Paul's local charitable programs.

Note: Click on flyer to enlarge

Sunday, June 26 is 'Donation Day' in a city near you

Help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul improve the quality of life for local homeless and disadvantaged children and families by donating your tax-deductible usable clothing, household goods, electronics and misc. items - as well as newspapers - this Sunday in a city near you.

St. Vincent de Paul donation trucks will be at the below parishes from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Sunday, June 26. Feel free to drop off your donations during this time, which is affectionately known as Bundle Sunday!

* St. Elizabeth: 1879 N. Lake Ave., ALTADENA
* Our Lady of Grace: 5001 White Oak Ave.,ENCINO
* St. Athanasius: 5390 Linden Ave., LONG BEACH
* Holy Trinity: 3722 Boyce Ave., LOS ANGELES
* Our Mother of Good Counsel: 2060 N. Vermont Ave., LOS ANGELES
* St. Linus: 13915 Shoemaker Ave., NORWALK
* Old Mission Santa Ines: 1760 Mission Dr., SOLVANG
* St. Helen: 8912 S Gate Ave, SOUTH GATE
* Our Lady of the Assumption: 3175 Telegraph Rd., VENTURA
* St. Mel: 20870 Ventura Blvd., WOODLAND HILLS

* Note - Large items of furniture, appliances and vehicles (running or not) can be donated by calling 323-224-6280 or 800-974-3571.

How will you handle adversity & challenges today?

"Accept challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory."

~ George S. Patton

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

~ Mark Twain

"Who indeed can harm you if you are committed deeply to doing what is right?"

~ I Peter

Source: www.heartsandminds.org

Camp season is finally here!

The 2011 Circle V Ranch Camp summer season begins today in beautiful Santa Barbara, Located in the Los Padres National Forest in Santa Barbara, approximately 1,200 from throughout Southern California will experience a slice of heaven in a positive, fun and nurturing environment.

We invite you to view a recent video, which includes Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Tony Gwynn Jr.,, talking about summer camp at http://www.youtube.com/user/svdpla?feature=mhee.

Reserve your spot TODAY for Camp tomorrow

REMINDER: Thanks to a matching fund, Week 1 (June 22-27) of summer camp at Circle V Ranch is 1/2 price!!! What a bargain for 6 days and 5 nights of fun, swimming, arts & crafts and MUCH more. For ages 7-13. Call 323-224-6213 today, as camp begins tomorrow!

A thought to begin the new week...

"In serving the sick, you should have God alone in view. You should not be too lenient and condescending when the sick refuse to take remedies or become too insolent, yet you must beware of showing either resentment or contempt in your demeanor toward them. On the contrary, treat the sick with respect and humility, remembering that all harshness and disdain, as well as the services and the honor you render them, are directed to our Lord himself."

~ Blessed Frederic Ozanam, Founder, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Visit by L.A. Dodger Tony Gwynn Jr. & Father's Day $ale makes for big day at SVdPLA

In honor of Father's Day on Sunday, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. signed autographs and posed for photos with fans on Friday afternoon at St. Vincent de Paul's store in Los Angeles.

The day included a 50% off sale on all men's and boy's clothing, as well as on recliners so Dad can relax on Father's Day Sunday, a raffle for a pair of tickets to the Dodgers game on Father's Day and special giveaways from KABC radio.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul thanks everyone who attended Friday's event and sale. Not only did you help yourself with great bargains, but store revenue will help improve the quality of life for local children, families and individuals through the Society's various charitable programs.

Feel free to view photos of this event by visiting http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150343825289478.430706.208312594477

St. Vincent de Paul wishes all fathers a very happy Father's Day.

TOMORROW is the day to meet an L.A. Dodger and save BIG for Father's Day

~ Click image to enlarge.

GREAT news for campers and their parents or guardians

Thanks to a matching fund, Week 1 (June 22-27) and Week 2 (June 27-July 2) of summer camp at Circle V Ranch is 1/2 price!!! What a bargain for 6 days and 5 nights of fun, swimming, arts & crafts and MUCH more. For ages 7-13. Call 323-224-6213 today to reserve a spot before it's too late!

St. Vincent de Paul: A Man of Compassion

Mett L.A. Left Fielder Tony Gwynn Jr. at SVdP's L.A. Store on June 17

~ Go Dodgers. Click on image to enlarge

Bundle Sunday is June 12 in a city near YOU

Please Help Us Help Others by donating your tax deductible usable clothing, household goods, electronics and misc. items - as well as newspapers - to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

St. Vincent de Paul donation trucks will be at the below parishes from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Sunday, June 12. Feel free to drop off your donations during this time!

* St. John Baptist De La Salle: 10738 Hayvenhurst Ave., GRANADA HILLS
* St. Joseph: 11854 Acacia Ave., HAWTHORNE
* St. Eugene: 9505 Haas Ave., LOS ANGELES
* Cristo Rey: 4343 Perlita Ave., LOS ANGELES
* St. Bede the Venerable: 215 Foothill Blvd., LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE
* Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal: 820 N. Garfield Ave., MONTEBELLO
* St. Joseph: 1150 W. Holt Ave., POMONA
* St. Luke: 5605 Cloverly Ave., TEMPLE CITY

* Note - Large items like furniture, appliances and vehicles (running or not) can be donated by calling 323-224-6280 or 800-974-3571.

No Family Reunion Planned Anytime Soon

Despite the resemblance, the answer is no. The Society's Executive Director David Fields (left) is not related to President Barack Obama. However, it is funny to see people's reactions when they see David in person. At least, David can't say he goes unnoticed in a crowd.

50% off Father's Day $ale in Los Angeles on June 17

Click flyer to enlarge

Society receives Los Angeles Humanitarian Award

Where would LA be without its HQ companies? Besides helping to keep us off the unemployment rolls (and providing water coolers to chat around), they supply honorees for the Los Angeles Headquarters Association’s annual awards luncheon.

The Humanitarian Award went to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and its executive director, David Fields. The Society operates three thrift stores, the Circle V Ranch Camp in Santa Barbara for low-income youth, and the Cardinal Manning Center, a homeless shelter and resource center on Skid Row. David tells us the org's also getting into affordable housing and wants to start a medical clinic. One of the priorities right now is to get the women and children at the Manning facility off Skid Row and into a safe environment with schools, jobs, public transit, hospitals, and malls—“the whole bit that we expect to have in America.” David says the Society’s looking to buy an existing property of eight to 20 units that it could rehab, or alternatively a site to develop a new facility using tax credits. If you know of a property and can help, email David at dfields@svdpla.org.

Photo (l-r): Accepting the award for the Society are Connor Johnson, James Bibb, Ursula Hyman, David Fields and Claire Padama. (Photo by williamcole4pics@gmail.com)

~ Real Estate BISNOW Los Angeles

Remembering our Patron Saint...

First JUNE Bundle Sunday is the 5th; Please Help Us Help Others!

Please Help Us Help Others by donating your tax deductible usable clothing, household goods, electronics and misc. items - as well as newspapers - to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

St. Vincent de Paul donation trucks will be at the below parishes from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Sunday, June 5. Feel free to drop off your donations during this time!

* Holy Family: 209 E. Lomita Ave.,GLENDALE
* Our Lady of Refuge: 5195 E. Stearns St., LONG BEACH
* Holy Redeemer: 2401 Montrose Ave., MONTROSE
* Santa Rosa: 668 S. Workman St., SAN FERNANDO
* St. Paschal Baylon: 155 E. Janss Rd., THOUSAND OAKS
* St. Elizabeth: 6635 Tobias Ave., VAN NUYS
* St. Christopher: 629 S. Glendora Ave., WEST COVINA
* St. Bruno: 15740 Citrustree Rd., WHITTIER
* St. Joseph the Worker: 19850 Cantlay St., WINNETKA

* Note - Large items like furniture, appliances and vehicles (running or not) can be donated by calling 323-224-6280 or 800-974-3571.

Society partners with Letter Carriers' Food Drive

The Society's St. Joseph Conference in Pomona received nearly 3,600 pounds of non-perishable food recently through the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

This annual campaign allows families along postal routes to leave bags of non-perishable food near their mailboxes on a specific day to help the hungry in their communities. Letter carriers then pick up the bags when they deliver the mail.

Henry Cabrera, president of the Society's St. Joseph Conference, thanks everyone who participated in this wonderful program, especially the U.S. Postal Service for organizing the event.

For Society Conference interested in participating in next year's Stamp Out Hunger food drive, please contact your local post office.

This Sunday, June 5: VII Romeria del Rocio USA 2011

Donations to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Circle V Ranch Camp in Santa Barbara