Santa delivered many smiles Sunday afternoon at Limpricht Park as the Rotary Clubs of St. Croix and Harborside held their fourth annual Christmas In The Park party for homeless children and adults from Catholic Charities and the Bethlehem House Shelter.
Each of the 27 children, ranging in age from six months to 16 years old, received a gift delivered by Santa Claus. The 13 mothers on hand were given gift bags donated by Jackie’s Beauty Supply containing lotion, shampoo, conditioner, combs and necklaces.
“This is the only gift the children receive for Christmas,” said Brenda Charles, who has worked with Catholic Charities for more than 17 years helping the homeless and mentally ill.
Each Rotarian gives a gift to a specific child so that each one gets a present, according to to Nelson Edwards of the St. Croix Rotary Club. A 3-year-old received a remote control construction toy from Edwards during the party, but most kids wait until Christmas to open their presents.
“These people live in abandoned houses, cars and parks downtown,” said Charles who provides food and showers to the homeless in Christiansted.
Most of the families are in tough situations because of the economic problems facing the island and the nation according to Jim Oliver a Rotarian and former president of the St. Croix Rotary Club.
“People can’t find employment and some people have too much pride and try to make it on their own without seeking help,” said Oliver.
Presents were not the only things at the party, because the Rotary Clubs provided candy bags for the children, along with cupcakes and other snacks, plus a guest appearance by Pockets the clown, which was many of the kids favorite part of the party.
Chris Finch came as Santa Claus. He and his wife, Ellie Hirsh, who dressed up as Santa’s elf, brought extra presents for the kids, including Frisbees and teddy bears. The kids lined up when he arrived and waited patiently as their names were called to come up and have Santa give them a gift.
“It’s a wonderful event, wonderful party and I’m honored to be a part of it,” said Finch who has participated the last three years..
The event was the creation of former Rotarian Bonnie Nesser. She died three years ago, but her ideas to help the community of St. Croix have lived on with the help of current members.
Liz Goggins has been a part of the Rotary Club for 10 years, and at this party gave a 4-year-old the book “Aliens Love Underpants” that came with a toy alien. Member Patricia Knight passed on her love of Tonka Trucks to a 5-year old, while Marion Baptiste gave a 1-year-old a Fisher Price counting game that lights up.
“I love to help people, and that’s what the Rotary does best,” said Baptiste, who has been a Harborside member for a year. “The mission is to help – we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty to see a smile on someone else’s face.”
Currently there are 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide and 100 on St. Croix. All the members are volunteers and receive no pay for the work they do in the community. St. Coix has the second oldest Rotary Club (52-years-old) in the Caribbean, according to Jim Oliver.
Catholic Charities is always looking for help with homeless and mentally ill and accepts non-perishable items for the soup-kitchen as well as towels and toiletries used to help keep the needy clean. Those who wish to help or want more informtion can call Brenda Charles at 340-773-0132. Catholic Charities is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
