U.S. Virgin Islands – In the spirit of gratitude and giving, the Virgin Islands Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea, is proud to announce that DOJ employees demonstrated generosity and support by contributing food items for a “Thanksgiving Turkey & Fixings Food Drive.” This effort, in partnership with the Family Resource Center (FRC) on St. Thomas/St. John and the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (WCSC), helped provide boxes of food to those in need this holiday season.
This heartfelt initiative, made possible through the contributions of employees from every division of the DOJ, provided items to complete Thanksgiving meals to 10 families in need—five on St. Thomas/St. John and five on St. Croix. Each family received a box containing uncooked items needed to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal, with one of the meals tailored for a vegetarian household.
On Tuesday, November 26th, AG Rhea presented the boxes to the WCSC at the DOJ office on St. Croix. On Monday, November 25th, Deputy AG Ian S.A. Clement handed over the boxes to representatives of the FRC at the Department of Justice office in St. Thomas. Additionally, the DOJ Special Investigations Division packaged and delivered an extra box to the Bethlehem House for the Homeless on St. Thomas.
“This season of thanks reminds us of the importance of community and compassion,” said Attorney General Rhea. “I am deeply proud of our dedicated staff for their generosity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others during this holiday season.”
“It’s the season of giving, and we at the DOJ want to provide resources and food to members of the community who are facing challenges this season,” said Deputy AG Clement. “We want to
help them have a happy Thanksgiving. As we celebrate with our families, we want them to have the opportunity to celebrate with theirs as well.”
All organizations expressed their sincere appreciation for the generous donations. Anya Stuart, Executive Director of FRC, said, “I want to extend my deepest thanks to the DOJ team for choosing Family Resource Center Inc. to receive Thanksgiving food donations for those in need in our community. Your support means so much to us! It will help us meet urgent needs and enhance our mission to uplift our amazing community. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”
Dr. Clema Lewis, Executive Director of the WCSC, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This collaboration truly embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving, and we thank you.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2024
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov