Can you cook at home?” “Do you have clean drinking water?” These were just a few needs that the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas were able to help with at a distribution drive held on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Wellness Center on the St. Thomas Campus.
Batteries, portable stoves, portable fans, water coolers, solar showers, and water filtration systems were just a few of the items donated to hundreds of UVI employees. Dr. Marilyn Braithwaite –Hall, wife of UVI President David Hall, learned of the congregation’s donation efforts in the territory and called to advocate for UVI employees.
“I am thrilled beyond measure to see this turnout, which goes to show how great the need still is,” said Dr. Braithwaite-Hall. “People really need to know that we have needs here beyond the destruction of the buildings and the campus. People are devoting their lives to keeping the University alive and having this place be moving forward for our students. For weeks now, we have been back in classes.”
Congregation volunteers and UVI staffers also distributed pampers, medical supplies, cat food, dog food, personal hygiene products, sunscreen, and baby food. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas for their generosity and support for UVI employees during this time of recovery,” said Dr. Wendy Coram Vialet, director of the Center for Spirituality and Professionalism at UVI. “Many thanks to President Hall and the University’s leadership for addressing the needs of many impacted employees.”
“First and foremost we want to be here to help everyone,” said Rabbi Michael Feshbach, of the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas.
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI website – http://www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link.