Earlier today, First Lady Cecile de Jongh launched a Territory-wide public awareness campaign encouraging residents to donate nonperishable food items to the hungry and homeless. She partnered with Catholic Charities in response to 2011 data indicating increased service levels at the organization’s soup kitchens and shelters. 

“Last year, Catholic Charities served more than 49,000 meals to the hungry and provided over 14,000 nights of shelter to the homeless. Incredibly, this year we have already surpassed these numbers. At a time when families are celebrating the holiday season together, this initiative reminds all of us to donate what we can in support of those in need,” she said.

Residents are asked to take action and donate specific food stuffs during a Territory-wide Food Drive on November 5th and 6th. All donated items will be collected by Catholic Charities for use in the organization’s soup kitchens and shelters on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. The organization has an urgent need for canned tuna, salmon, corned beef, and Vienna sausages. They also request new underwear for men, women and children.

The first lady encourages residents to show compassion and understanding this holiday season and throughout the year for the more than 400 homeless and countless hungry throughout the Territory. 

As part of the initiative, a public service announcement will run on radio and television stations this week informing the community of the November 5th and 6th food drive.

Alongside the administration’s anti-poverty efforts via the Children and Families Council, as chaired by the first lady, the hunger and homelessness initiative seeks to remind all Virgin Islanders that “Charity begins at home.”

Donated items can be forwarded to any of the Catholic Charities locations on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. All major grocery stores will also accept items during the November 5th and 6th food drive.

Later this month, Governor de Jongh will issue a proclamation to encourage support for the Territory’s hungry and homeless assistance service providers, as well as community service opportunities for students and school organizations in support of these populations. 

For more information, contact Catholic Charities at 777-8515.