On Saturday, hundreds of children converged on Emancipation Garden for the annual Children’s Christmas Party hosted by the governor and first lady. The headliner item in the gift bag each child received from Santa Claus was a children’s book, The Lesson Box, written by author Treganza Roach. 

Ms. Roach was encouraged to develop the book as part of the first lady's ongoing efforts to help improve the Virgin Islands literacy rate. She is the spokesperson for the territory’s Big Read initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Emancipation Garden was abuzz with activity for the territory’s children on Saturday. Santa Claus was portrayed by Human Services Commissioner Chris Finch. Santa arrived on the back of a bright red fire truck complete with flashing lights and a wailing siren much to the excitement of the youngsters who anxiously awaited his arrival. Clearly, a good time was had by all. 

This year’s parties will wrap up on St. John on Monday; the St. Croix party was held on December 10.