Society's CSULA Conference to host public 'BBQ for the Hungry'

The Society's Cal State University of Los Angeles' Catholic Christian Conference will sponsor a free public 'BBQ for the Hungry' from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 16 at 6th and Gladys Park in downtown L.A.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be served. 'Vincentian' volunteers wishing to assist CSULA help those in need by cooking and cleaning up, are encouraged to email svdp.csula@gmail.com.

Society's Circle V Ranch Camp holds successful Open House

Close to 200 individuals attended the Society's Open House at Circle V Ranch Camp in Santa Barbara on May 21.

Attendees toured the camp, participated in activities and enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch. The new miniature golf course was a big hit, as was the new-look grounds just below the dining area. Complete with new sod, individuals and families sat on the grass as they ate their meals, while others played ball on the main field.

Fina Morga, the camp's registrar, reported that close to 20 applications were received from parent's wishing to send their children to summer camp this year.

The 2011 summer camp season is just weeks away. There will be nine one-week sessions.

Session 1: June 22-27 / Theme: Wild, Wild West Week
Session 2: June 27-July 2 / Theme: Pirate Week
Session 3: July 5-10 / Theme: Holiday Week
Session 4: July 10-15 / Theme: Knights of the Round table (Medieval Times)
Session 5: July 18-23 / Theme: Carnival Week
Session 6: July 23-28 / Theme: Hawaiian Vacation Week
Session 7: Aug 1-6 / Theme: Circle V’s Got Talent Week
Session 8: Aug 6-11 / Theme: Disney Week
Session 9: Aug 12-17 / Theme: Safari Adventure Week

There is still time for parents and guardians to fill out applications to send children to camp this summer. Information: 323-224-6213.

Note: More photos from Open House can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Circle-V-Ranch-Camp/105307186181003#!/media/set/?set=a.200569106654810.55537.105307186181003

Long Beach SVdP & WESCA join forces to clean local region

For the second time in eight months, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Long Beach on Saturday partnered with WESCA (West East Side Community Association)for a special cleanup of the city's 4th District. Close to 40 volunteers, including those from St. Vincent de Paul, participated in this monthly event.

The Society also provided a truck to help pick up nearly two tons of trash from local alleys and streets. Some usable items were retrieved, which were donated to St. Vincent de Paul. Following the event, the volunteers were treated to a BBQ on the patio of the Society's store at 2750 Pacific Coast Highway (corner of PCH and Temple).

"It went very well. As a member of this community, we enjoy working with WESCA and others to help keep our region clean," said Latisha Rosales, manager of the Society's Long Beach facility. "After all, we're all in this together."

Volunteers are being sought to help each month. Students can also volunteer their time in exchange for community service hours. Information: Griselda Barba-Perez at 562-570-8281 or griselda.perez@longbeach.gov.