Sept. 5, 2006 — "A warm tingly feeling." That's how Erik Ackerson, president of the Texas Society of the Virgin Islands, describes the sensation society members get when they're helping out the V.I. community.
Donating to charity is something the society does every year, using the profits generated from its annual Chili Cook-off. This year, in addition to cash donations made to a number of local organizations — including the Red Cross and Dial-A-Ride — the society also purchased approximately $5,000 worth of equipment to aid residents at the Queen Louise Home for the Aged.
"The Queen Louise Home is one of the oldest local charities," Ackerson, aka "Great Pepper," said Tuesday. "And what we've been doing for the past couple years is saving up to give them something off of their wish list. What was communicated to us is that the home was in need of some lounging chairs, along with a chair that can go in and out of the shower."
Taking those needs to heart, members of the society gathered at Queen Louise on Tuesday morning to present Jacquelyn Adams and Sandra Bradley, the facility's director and assistant director, with six geriatric chairs and one shower chair — items which Adams said would make the home's residents "more comfortable."
"The Texas Society has been involved with the Queen Louise Home for a long time," Adams added. "And we always appreciate what they do for us."
In the past, the society has also given Queen Louise a car, air conditioning for the dining room area and a beauty parlor.
"It's a community effort," Ackerson said. "For every cup of chili made by our cooks and purchased by members of our community, something goes to charity. It's really wonderful to be a part of something like that."
After the presentation, Adams said that Queen Louise could also use some more beds, along with a piano or organ so that patients could listen to music throughout the day.
"My real wish, however, is for more people to come and visit with the residents," she said. "They are in need of human contact and social interaction that doesn't come from our staff members. So we're encouraging people to come and visit with the elderly, maybe spend an hour or two reading to them or talking to them about things. That would be the greatest thing."
For those interested in volunteering at or donating to the Queen Louise Home, call 775-7299.
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