In Search Of The Needy, On Christmas Day

ST. CROIX — “We thought no one was coming today,” said a homeless man who was sitting at the Frederiksted Market on Christmas Day. He was responding with gratitude to volunteers who joined The Consortium in its first community giveback effort yesterday, giving over 40 plates of food to the poor and underprivileged on a day when the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to Biblical accounts, was born to give His life as a sacrifice for humankind, was celebrated.

The publication joined with Rhea Scotland, and received volunteer support from Ashley Scotland and Ali Van Gurp, along with founder Ernice Gilbert, visiting locations that homeless people are known to frequent, and distributed meals that included rice, beans, vegetables, macaroni and chicken, along with bottles of Welch’s juice. Most of what was prepared was quickly depleted in Frederiksted, however volunteers were able to supply the homeless who frequent the Market Square area in Christiansted, near the Lighthouse Mission, with the remaining dishes.

From left to right: VIC’s Opinions Editor Ashley Scotland, Rhea Scotland and Ali Van Gurp.

“This was our trial run, and we will definitely prepare more food the next time,” said Mr. Gilbert. “The experience was very humbling, and it reworked my thought process as it relates to the meaning of Christmas and what, as a person of faith, I should be doing on that day.”

Indeed, the homeless and deprived, seemingly forgotten, appeared in strong numbers near the Frederiksted market once the word got around that food was being distributed. And across from the police station in Mars Hill, another area was the less fortunate gather, gratefulness was relayed to volunteers as they gave away the nourishments. “May God bless you,” said one of the homeless, smiling and laughing with other needy residents who were also given meals. Even in their state of lack, they held a jovial spirit that seemed in contrast with their current status.

Later, driving into the Christiansted town coming from the Gallows Bay area, and heading up a hill near the market, a man was seen pushing the little belongings he had in a grocery cart. Mr. Scotland noticed the man and hurriedly parked the vehicle, while Mr. Gilbert took a plate of food and a drink, and walked to meet the man, who did not hesitate to accept the meal.

“Such situations really gives you pause, you know. We talk about caring for one another all the time, but do we really care?” Mr. Gilbert asked. “We look at Christmas as a time to give, but most of us give to the ones we love and who, to be honest, are expecting to be blessed by their families. But what about those who have no advocate; those who, because of unfortunate circumstances, find themselves in the unimaginable situation of homelessness? We must do better as a community.”

The meals were prepared by Mrs. Irish Alexander and Mrs. Mary Scotland. The team started after 2:00 p.m. and completed the effort in about an hour’s time.

Feature Image: Ali Van Gurp handing meals to two homeless man sitting at the Lighthouse Mission building in Christiansted.

Image Credit: VIC.