As a community outreach project, the management and employees of V.I. Terminal Services gathered and made a sizable donation of consumables to the residents at Queen Louise Home for Children.
Susan A. Kraeger, development director for Lutheran Social Services, said on Thursday that organizers bought some of the most expensive consumables for the children at the Queen Louise Home.
The children’s home received disposable diapers, pull-ups, wipes, sheets, washcloths and Ensure nutritional drinks. The employees and management at VITS also made donations totaling $1,600 which was spent at Kmart and Cost U Less.
“This donation was really helpful,” Kraeger said, mentioning the protein drink Ensure, and how it helps a lot of kids but that a case of it is very expensive. “This is extraordinary,” she said. “Diapers and pull-ups are very expensive too and we need them daily.” She called the stacks of donations a tower of love.
Shirley Nevarro, administrative manager at VITS, said that as a single mother and grandmother she knows the needs of children and how expensive some items are to buy on St. Croix. “We can’t go to Walmart and get things cheap,” Nevarro said.
“I had fun spending the money and it made me feel good doing it for the children,” said Glenn Arrindell Sr., equipment manager for VITS.
Nevarro said her boss came to her and asked what they could do for the community. In the past she said she had raised funds for the home so she suggested they donate to the children again.
Nevarro spearheaded the fundraiser and said she got in touch with Kraeger to find out what the children at the home need the most.
Dianna Arthurton, assistant director at the home, said they were deeply grateful for the donations allowing them to keep in stock things used daily. She said they go through a lot of diapers, sheets and washcloths every day.
Junia Straker, chief executive officer at Lutheran Social Services, said it was humbling and awesome to see people take the time and give gratefully. “It’s good to see the positive and good part of people,” Straker said.
Call Kraeger at 340-772-4099 to find out what’s on the home’s wish list and to make donations.