Nov. 3, 2006 — In addition to courageously serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, V.I. National Guard troops are also making inroads locally by giving back to children throughout the territory. Guard members' first stop early Friday morning was the Nana Baby Children's Home on St. Thomas, which offers foster care services to children on all three islands.
According to Spc. (Specialist) Curtis Elcock, soldiers within the Recruiting and Retention Command for VING are "starting the process" of reaching out to the community and have been looking at adopting the Home as one of its charities.
Elcock said the services offered by Nana Baby and other children's homes throughout the territory "have been forgotten" by members of the community and should be recognized. "We really want to acknowledge everything the Home does, and show that we're in support of taking care of our young people," he said.
Elcock added that some Guard units have offered similar assistance to children living in Afghanistan. "We did it over there, so why can't we do it right here at home as well?" he asked. "The children are our future, and if we don't start taking care of them now, then I don't think we'll have a Virgin Islands that we can be proud of."
Elcock, along with Sgt. Antoine Trevor and Spc. Elton Johnson, were all smiles Friday as they presented home co-founder Beulah Wilson with a large box full of necessities, such as shampoo, bath soap and baby diapers.
All items donated on Friday were paid for by the soldiers themselves. "This is our first stop for now, but we plan on starting here and then reaching out to more community organizations," Trevor said. "We want to send the message that we care for our children, and that the community should work on transforming its animosity into friendship and love for the Virgin Islands."
While the items may be simple, Wilson said they were much needed. "Do you know how many diapers an infant goes through in a day?" she joked.
On a more serious note, Wilson said toiletry products are much used by the home, and therefore run out quickly. "They asked me what I needed, and this is what I asked for," she said.
Wilson was at ease with the soldiers throughout the morning visit, as they spent time talking and playing with some of Nana Baby's residents, and taking a tour of the facility. "This is really great what you guys are doing," she said.
Nana Baby Home, located near the Al McBean ballpark in Anna's Retreat, can provide emergency foster care for up to 12 children. Since the recent death of its founder, Louise Larcheveaux-Ali, Nana Baby has continued to operate and currently houses nine residents.
"We provide care for children from birth to age 12," Wilson said to the three soldiers, who came dressed in bright blue VING T-shirts. "Right now, we have two infants among our residents, so you have no idea how great it is to have these things."
If the soldiers decide to adopt the Home, they will look at meeting the needs expressed by Wilson, Elcock said. "We want to make everyone as comfortable as possible," he explained. "So we're talking about getting play equipment, toys, whatever makes them happy."
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