For the ninth year in a row, the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, joined together to collect school supplies for students in need. In partnership with the island’s Department of Human Services Foster Care Division, the team donated more than 60 backpacks filled with pencils, rulers, folders, binders and other back-to-school essentials to students in foster care.
The effort, which falls under the umbrella of The Ritz-Carlton Community Footprints program, is designed to help build excitement for students as they arrive for their first day of school armed with supplies they need for a successful school year.
“I’m so proud that our resort continues its tradition of giving each department within the hotel the name and age of a child, as well as a list of supplies he or she will need to begin a successful school year,” said General Manager Marco Ortlam. “It’s a mutually beneficial program because in addition to helping children in need, which is something that is engrained in the culture of The Ritz-Carlton, it also brings our Ladies and Gentlemen together and draws attention to a need here on the island.”
Community Footprints is a social and environmental responsibility strategy embedded into The Ritz-Carlton service values, long range plans and business operations. Child well-being is one of three key pillars of the global program, helping to provide resources to children in need by partnering with local organizations that provide a safe haven and nurturing environment for children. The full backpacks were donated to children on Aug. 31.
