Gifts for the Needy

First Lady Cecile de Jongh partnered with Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands on her “Tiny Tokens of Hope” initiative. The outreach launched at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on St. John on October 10, World Homeless Day and Virgin Islands Homeless Day, as proclaimed by Governor John de Jongh, Jr.

“Tiny Tokens of Hope” provides care packages, including personal hygiene items, to the homeless population of the Virgin Islands. Government employees are encouraged to participate by collecting unused toiletries from travel and hotel stays, and dropping them off at any Government House location. The “Tiny Tokens of Hope” initiative will distribute toiletries to the Virgin Islands homeless population twice a year.

“In our work with groups and organizations that provide services to the homeless, while food, clothing and other items are regularly donated, we found that a missing piece was in providing toiletry items to assist their personal hygiene,” said Ms. de Jongh. “Based on the success of the program thus far, I am pleased to invite the wider community to participate, providing support not only to our homeless population, but also to the service organizations that assist them on a daily basis.”

Pictured above, Ms. de Jongh distributed lunches and small bags of toiletries on the steps of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.