By Pamela Reid
Dec 18 2008 – Firefighters arrived with lights flashing Thursday to present a gift to the Queen Louise Home for the Aged on St. Thomas.
The Virgin Islands Fire Department held car washes once monthly at Lima Company to raise the funds for a new wheelchair for the home.
Firefighters arrived in front of the home Thursday their emergency lights flashing, bringing with them the brand new wheelchair.
Most of the 21 residents of the Queen Louise Home are in wheelchairs according to Sandra Bailey, assistant director of Liaison Services with the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services.
"The elderly are the foundation of our community. They've done their part – this is giving back. And it is not going to stop here, Sergeant David Hodge said. He said he hoped the act would be "a spark to get other government departments to pitch in."
"This contribution came at the right time, right at Christmas time," Bailey said. "This is an exciting time for the community. The hardworking staff and residents really appreciate this donation."
The donation will allow the department to reallocate some funds for other items needed at the facility. Costs for new wheelchairs start at around $200 according to Bailey.
The firefighters' car washing events raised more than $2,700, which they hope to use to give back to the island's elders and to provide presents this season for children in the Nana Baby Home.
The fire department washed between 40 and 60 cars each month and said that the event raised their morale and esprit de corps. The firefighters plan to continue their monthly car washes and said that they will place a sign on the tree in front of Lima Company in Tutu showing when the next one will be held.
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