The St. Thomas Jurisdiction of Bethesda Church of God in Christ donated care packages and personal items to low-income seniors at Ebenezer Gardens, an independent living program run by Lutheran Social Service of the Virgin Islands (LSSVI). On Wednesday, July 11, the New Jersey- based church brought 18 large boxes filled with personal hygiene items, foot wear, hospital gowns, and new and gently-used clothing for the residents.
The church has made yearly trips to St. Thomas for the last seven years, led by Bishop Ahmed Screven. This year, in addition to care items for the seniors, the delegation brought 150 schoolbook bags and school supplies to share with Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix.
Chief Executive Officer of LSSVI, Junia John-Straker, said, “We greatly appreciate the love the members of Bethesda COGIC have for the Virgin Islands community. This show of support and genuine concern is certainly an encouragement to our seniors and children.”
The ten-person mission group made several stops across the island from July 10 through July 14. The delegation has collaborated with other non-profits on St. Thomas and actively supports Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center, Queen Louise Home for the Aged and The Lucina Millen Home of Bethel Baptist Church
Ebenezer Gardens and Queen Louise Home for Children are programs of Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands (LSSVI) — the largest private child and family services agency in the Virgin Islands. LSSVI programs include Early Head Start and AmeriCorps, five housing complexes for low income seniors and adults with disabilities, a safe haven for neglected, abused and severely disabled children, and two 24-hour residential care facilities for adults with disabilities unable to live independently.
