Check in hand, Innovative employees gathered Thursday at United Way offices on St. Thomas to give their annual contribution to the agency that supports a multitude of other nonprofits within the community.
Each year Innovative employees donate a portion of their paychecks to United Way, and on Thursday the company itself presented a $20,598 employee match, bringing Innovative’s total annual contribution to more than $41,000, according to Innovative Vice President of Public Relations Jennifer Matarangas-King.
The contributions come as part of United Way’s "Workplace Campaign," which also receives funds through various government agencies and V.I. businesses.
While the payroll deduction program is not mandatory, employees said Friday that they are happy to assist wherever they can.
"It is our duty to help the less fortunate on the island," said Claudy Brutis, an Innovative manager.
Thanking Innovative for its support, United Way head Cherise Creque-Quain said she sees the "Workplace Campaign" as a way for local businesses to invest in their community through the United Way’s efforts, which assist 13 local nonprofits.
"We consider our donors to be investors in bringing sustainable change to the Virgin Islands," she said.
The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John also supports, among other agencies, the Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity of the Virgin Islands, V.I. Instituted for Teaching and Learning, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, the St. Thomas Reformed Church, Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, the American Red Cross and the Savan Boys Club.
