Santa Visits Boys & Girls Club Children On St. Croix With Gifts In Tow

ST. CROIX — Boys and Girls Club children from the Christiansted and Frederiksted arms of the nonprofit were blessed with a Christmas treat to remember on Sunday morning, after receiving a visit from Santa, who came to the island on the Celebrity Summit Cruise Ship and brought along about a dozen or so helpers to surprise the children with Christmas gifts.

The event, planned and executed by the Department of Tourism, was no shabby party. It started with a V.I. Fire Service fire truck being loaded with gifts by Santa and his helpers near the cruise ship, making its way through the town of Frederiksted, and to the Boys and Girls Club near the One Love Gas Station with loud hunks as it approached the location.

Santa takes selfie with Boys and Girls Club Kids. (Ernice Gilbert, VIC)

The children were gathered on the facility’s basketball court as Santa, followed by other vehicles carrying his helpers, deboarded the fire truck and made his way through the entrance to greet the excited children.

The moment was merry; the children were elated and surprised as Santa hugged and took pictures with them and parents who were present. Santa and his helpers even danced to local Christmas music being served by a deejay.

According to Department of Tourism Deputy Commissioner Neelia Ross, the annual event is sponsored by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Line Association and executed through D.O.T. Ms. Ross said the Boys and Girls Club was chosen this year because the organization has a wide range of children from all backgrounds and income statuses, making it a suitable choice for such an event.

Once the gift bearer and his helpers were on the Boys and Girls Club property, the children were lined on the basketball court as Santa sat in a large, white chair where he wished them merry Christmas before they were given the gifts from his helpers.

The event also included free food from Roadside BBQ & Grill, which prepared hot dogs and burgers for the children.