Relief Drives Organized for STT Seniors
A multitiered effort organized by one community group is aiming to provide food and supplies to the territory’s elderly and residents with disabilities in an effort to keep them indoors and limit any exposure to the novel coronavirus.
In news conferences over the past few weeks, public officials have stressed the need to help and protect the territory’s more vulnerable populations, which include residents over the age of 50, particularly those with underlying health issues. Last week, along with announcing increased social distancing measures, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. spoke about a partnership with local Plaza Extra supermarkets that would allow senior citizens time to shop from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Non-senior citizens are being asked to not to shop during this time.
To help, the V.I. Community and Police Association has been partnering with local restaurants in an effort to deliver food to residents in local senior citizen and nursing homes. Friday, group organizer Bruce Flamon picked up almost 100 soups – chicken and veggie – from Navy Beach at Yacht Haven Grande, which were later distributed to residents of the Celestino A. White Senior Citizens Complex, along with another round Saturday that were taken to the Lucinda Millin Home.
“The owners of Navy Beach wanted to show that they are here to stay, that they are invested in our community and that they wanted to support our elderly as much as possible,” said chef Lenyse Shomo. “Knowing Bruce, I reached out and he told us what the organization’s needs were and we were happy to help. We’re hoping our seniors enjoy this, and at the same time, it gives us a chance to keep our people working, while giving back to the community.”
