SVdP participates in 8th Annual Lincoln Heights Christmas Parade

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Council of Los Angeles participated in the 8th Annual Lincoln Heights Christmas Parade yesterday.

Traveling west down Broadway in one of the historic sections of Los Angeles, Society President Claire Padama and Executive Director David Fields waved to the crowd from a blue Mustang convertible. St. Vincent de Paul's new Traveling Boutique was also decorated and followed the convertible in the parade.

Society participants included Salvador Salgado (banner carrier), Patricia Guerrero & Stephanie Amesola (both passed out magnets & candy), Jesse Clemente (drove the convertible) and Sam Urive (drove the fashion van).

Photos (top-bottom): Society President Claire Padama & Executive Director David Fields; St. Vincent de Paul's entry on the parade route; Patricia Guerrero hands out Society donation magnets; Stephanie Amesola hands out candy canes to excited children; Merry Christmas to all from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Council of Los Angeles.

Glamour & charitable work come together at SVdP Store in Los Angeles

Glamour and charitable work came together at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store today when the Society's new 'Traveling Boutique' was introduced prior to the store's 1st Thanksgiving basket distribution.

Society President Claire Padama spoke about the fashion van - the first of its kind for a non-profit in Los Angeles - and how it will help further enhance the Society's visibility and work for the local homeless and disadvantaged. It was Claire's dream that St. Vincent de Paul have a fashion van.

Society Store Director Tony Terrazas, who designed the store turkey distribution, thanked AAA Rubbish, Inc. and Athens Services for sponsoring the holiday giveaway. More than 120 local families benefited from the distribution, as each received a turkey and all the fixings.

St. Vincent de Paul Deputy Executive Director David Garcia welcomed everyone and served as the emcee.

Photos (top-bottom): Society President Claire Padama introduces the Traveling Boutique; Standing near the new fashion van are (l-r): Society Store Director Tony Terrazas, Fashion Van Art Designer Mary Hickey, Society Deputy Executive Director David Garcia and Claire Padama; Holding a Thanksgiving basket is Tony Terrazas (l) alongside Donny Beal of AAA Rubbish; KCBS/KCAL TV News covers the special event.

Enjoy your 4th of July!

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Council of Los Angeles wishes everyone a happy 4th of July. Enjoy the day and please make it safe!