JFL ‘Adopts’ Two Families For Second Straight Year

ST. CROIX — The Juan F. Luis Hospital on Tuesday showered two local families with presents for each family member, and enough food to provide a hearty, holiday meal for Christmas, the hospital has announced. It’s the second year in a row that JFL employees have supported two needy families as part of the JFL Adopt-a-Family program, the hospital said.

“We are very excited to be able to provide presents and a holiday meal for these families, and I want to wish both families a very Merry Christmas,” said JFL Acting CEO Atty. Richard T. Evangelista.

The Adopt-a-Family program was started in 2015 by JFL’s Dietary Director Yvette Edwards, and JFL Public Information Officer Erica Parsons. It is a part of the “JFL Cares” initiative, where employees embark on projects that will assist the community. Both families were provided to JFL through Catholic Charities and the Bethlehem House Shelter, and each family includes a single mom and five children, ranging in ages from a newborn to 14 years of age, according to the release.

“Our team members give willingly each year to make sure that the families who are selected, can enjoy a wonderful time together for Christmas,” said Ms. Parsons. Mr. Evangelista, HR Chief Valdemar A. Hill, Jr. and JFL team members from various departments talked with the moms and children, before presenting them with their individual presents. Both families also received a turkey and all the other trimmings to create a complete meal, as well as beverages, according to the release.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community, so we all pitch in hoping that our small contribution can make a difference in their lives,” said Ms. Parsons. JFL employees volunteered individually, or as a department to provide the gifts for each family.

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our staff members who contributed from not just their pockets, but from their hearts as well to these families, and I wish each employee well for this holiday season,” Mr. Evangelista concluded.