by Mary Lindsley
staff associate

Want to do something to help children? Go shopping.

This Sunday at five area Westfield malls, you can get an early start on your holiday shopping, save money on your purchases, get freebies, and help a UM-St. Louis children's organization, all at the same time. The event, called "Westfield Works Wonders," will boost the coffers of nearly 300 local charities and non-profit organizations. These groups will raise funds by selling tickets for after-hours admittance into the malls for shopping, entertainment, food and prizes.

One of the organizations participating in the event is the Kathy J. Weinman Children's Advocacy Centre (CAC), located on South Campus. Since its inception in 1997, the CAC has come to the aid of sexually-abused children and their families by providing a complete range of services within a single location, eliminating the need to bounce victims from one social service agency to another. Susan Scribner, associate director of the CAC, said the organization has 150 tickets available for "Westfield Works Wonders" at a cost of $5 each. The Centre will keep the proceeds from the tickets it sells.

Those purchasing tickets will be able to use them at any of the five local Westfield shopping centers: Northwest Plaza, Mid Rivers Mall, West County Center, Crestwood Plaza, and South County Center. The event runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21, after the malls close to the general public. All stores within the mall will remain open, and most will offer discounts and attendance prizes. Free gift-wrapping, photos with Santa, hors d'oeuvres, and beverages will be available. Local celebrities and entertainment acts are also scheduled to appear at each location.

Scribner said the event has benefits beyond raising money.

"I would hope that we increase awareness of who we are," Scribner said. "A fund-raiser like this can help us meet our core service of helping sexually-abused children, but it can also give people the opportunity to have fun at the same time."

Tickets can be purchased from Susan Scribner by calling 516-6798. Children under 12 will be admitted for free.