More than 200 volunteers lent a hand Saturday to help enhance the grounds surrounding the Lucinda Millin Home for the elderly. The event, organized by the United Way of St. Thomas-St. John, marked the organization's third annual Day of Caring.
"Sometimes we forget that seniors have made a contribution to our community," said Pamela Hagley, a United Way volunteer. "This is a way of giving back."
As residents of the home looked on, volunteers of all ages worked to the rhythm of music performed by the V.I. Housing Authority Youth Steel Orchestra.
"Watch out for the potato," advised one resident from a balcony as she helped young volunteers identify what to clear in the garden that residents use to grow fruits and vegetables. Once the weeds were removed, volunteers prepared the soil for planting herbs.
In the middle of the courtyard, another group erected an arbor to shelter an area with benches. Designed by local architectural firm William Karr and Associates, the arbor will provide a shaded area for residents to sit and enjoy the nearby flower garden.
Residents were pleased with the efforts.
"I'm happy to see so many young people helping," said Thomas Hodge. "By December it will look like the White House!"
Eric Phillips, president of the Tenant Council, said that events like this make residents of the home feel like a part of the community, "not apart from the community."
Volunteers included many individuals and several youth groups, most notably the Civil Air Patrol. Other organizations volunteering support included Pueblo Supermarkets, Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, Banco Popular, Scotia Bank, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Legal Services of the V.I., James Boschulte Landscaping and the American Red Cross.
In previous years the United Way organized similar beautification projects at the Addelita Cancryn and Bertha B. Boschulte Junior High Schools and the Ebenezer Gardens Home for the elderly. "Up to now, residents still remark about it," said the home's site manager, Lelia Felix.
According to Terri Brown, a United Way board member and volunteer, 80 percent of the funds generated by the organization go back into the community. Because the United Way has only two paid employees, it depends heavily on the help of volunteers.
To find out how to become a volunteer, call 774-3185.
