In the spirit of the season, sixth grade students at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School recently donated more than 1,100 cans of food and non-perishable items to Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands’ Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas.
Students participating in the school’s Family Career & Community Leaders of America club—a national organization that teaches students leadership skills, family values and ways to give back to the community—spearheaded the school-wide effort. More than 100 sixth grade students made the donation to the non-profit organization on November 25 during a ceremony at the school.
It was the fourth year the school conducted the drive, according to teacher and club advisor, Maritza Leerdam-Pierre. “We enjoy doing this and look forward to it each year. The students are excited,” she said. Of the generous donation, Richard Gomez, Bethlehem House manager, said, “It’s always a pleasure to receive donations from the school. A lot of people will benefit from these goods.”
On the same day the donation was made, Catholic Charities opened a new soup kitchen on St. Thomas. Gomez said the organization serves more than 50 meals to people visiting the soup kitchen daily and deliver more than 60 meals each day through community outreach.
“We don’t turn anyone away,” he said. “Everyone is welcome to share a meal with us.”
While the drive was supported by the entire school, six students were recognized for collecting the most canned goods: Jaheim Sasso, Jahquanni Creque, Alikai Fleming-Haywood, Donna Maria Green, Yoelisa Rogers and Alanya Serrano.
In the spirit of the season, sixth grade students at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School recently donated more than 1,100 cans of food and non-perishable items to Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands’ Bethlehem House Shelter for the Homeless on St. Thomas.
Students participating in the school’s Family Career & Community Leaders of America club—a national organization that teaches students leadership skills, family values and ways to give back to the community—spearheaded the school-wide effort. More than 100 sixth grade students made the donation to the non-profit organization on November 25 during a ceremony at the school.
It was the fourth year the school conducted the drive, according to teacher and club advisor, Maritza Leerdam-Pierre. “We enjoy doing this and look forward to it each year. The students are excited,” she said. Of the generous donation, Richard Gomez, Bethlehem House manager, said, “It’s always a pleasure to receive donations from the school. A lot of people will benefit from these goods.”
On the same day the donation was made, Catholic Charities opened a new soup kitchen on St. Thomas. Gomez said the organization serves more than 50 meals to people visiting the soup kitchen daily and deliver more than 60 meals each day through community outreach.
“We don’t turn anyone away,” he said. “Everyone is welcome to share a meal with us.”
While the drive was supported by the entire school, six students were recognized for collecting the most canned goods: Jaheim Sasso, Jahquanni Creque, Alikai Fleming-Haywood, Donna Maria Green, Yoelisa Rogers and Alanya Serrano.