JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers HOPEFUL—Samaritan Center director Virginia Nelson holds up a $5 shopping invitation to the Oct. 25 Robinsons-May Charity Preview Day. She hopes the campaign will help keep open the doors of the Samaritan Center and other nonprofits. Two days before the Simi Valley Town Center mall opens next month, hundreds of invited shoppers are expected to descend on Robinsons-May department store.

They’ll come in hopes of getting the first chance at deals on clothes, shoes and other items and in the process will be helping those who can’t afford them.

The invitation-only Charity Preview Day on Oct. 25 at Robinsons-May not only will get shoppers in the door but also will help the less fortunate and the homeless in Simi Valley. Shoppers may purchase the $5 invitation from one of about 100 nonprofit organizations, most of which are located in Simi Valley. The nonprofits—which include the United Way, Disabled American Veterans, schools, the Boy Scouts and senior citizens’ organizations—keep the $5, and shoppers get in ahead of crowds and enjoy extra store discounts.

The nonprofits are also eligible to receive more donations from the campaign. The organization that sells the most invitations wins $2,000; the one that gets the most people in the door also wins $2,000. Agencies in second and third place receive $1,000 and $500, respectively.

The campaign is good news for the beleaguered Samaritan Center in Simi Valley. Recently, the center, which provides a place for the homeless to shower, receive mail and messages, get a hot meal and meet with social service providers, lost a substantial government grant and has been struggling to keep its doors open.

The Samaritan Center is in first place so far, having sold about $750 worth of invitations in the first 48 hours of the of the campaign.

“They believe so strongly in their mission, they’re really devoted to making money this way,” said Jacqui Richardson, coordinator for the campaign.

Richardson said RobinsonsMay has opened 26 stores using this approach, resulting in about $150,000 in contributions to nonprofits.

The campaign is one of the ways Samaritan Center Director Virginia Nelson is trying to keep the center afloat. She plans to hold a benefit concert later this year.

The center recently added the counseling services of intern therapists who just graduated from or are enrolled in the master’s degree program at Cal State Northridge. To date, three clients have entered rehabilitation facilities as a result of having received counseling, Nelson said.

“We’re very pleased,” she said. “We are making some big steps in that program.”

To purchase an invitation from the Samaritan Center, call Virginia Nelson at (805) 579-9166. Gene Hostetler, a 24-year Simi Valley police detective, is selling the invitations for HUGS—Hope & Understanding for God’s Special Children. The organization is a support group for families with children who’ve suffered brain damage because of a near-drowning incident. They’re also a clearinghouse of information on water safety and alternative medical treatments. Hostetler, whose grandson nearly drowned three years ago, is raising money for the nonprofit to help other families who’ve suffered such a tragedy and to help pay for treatments insurance doesn’t cover. To purchase an invitation from HUGS, contact Hostetler at (805) 583-6969.

The $5 invitation is tax-deductible and gives shoppers the chance to enter drawings for door prizes and a $1,000 shopping spree. The campaign runs through Oct. 18. For a list of other nonprofits participating in the Charity Preview Day campaign, call Richardson at (805) 390-8774.