On Christmas morning members of the Democratic Party St. Croix District were spreading cheer to children who weren’t able to spend Christmas at home but in the pediatrics unit at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center.
Carlotta Luis, daughter of Gov. Juan F. Luis, said this holiday season is when people should spend time with family and friends. “This is sharing love and blessings to those who may be going through challenging times,” Luis said.
“This gives me great pleasure to give back to the community in my own small way to the children and the health care providers who take care of the community when it’s needed the most,” she said.
“The focus is to bring holiday cheer to kids in the hospital and get a bit of holiday spirit as well,” according to Brad Nugent, St. Croix district chairman. “This is what’s important. It’s not a partisan thing. We’re all Crucians and Virgin Islanders.”
The party members also served the staff on duty fresh bush and rosemary tea with pastries.
“We wanted to say thanks to the staff. It’s nothing big we just wanted to share,” Nugent said. “We’re political but service oriented and we wanted to recognize those who serve as well. 
Members of the party donated around 100 gifts for children, including games, dolls, cars and trucks, and books of all sorts. Nugent said there are enough gifts for the little patients in the next few weeks to take home with them.
Around a dozen party members dropped off the wrapped gifts that were placed around the Christmas tree in the lobby.
Sen. Sammuel Sanes said he was happy to see party members’ children in the lobby of JFL sharing in the tradition of spreading cheer. “We’re here maintaining a tradition of giving back,” Sanes said “And the kids see us giving back to the community, which is good for them to see.”
Cecil Benjamin, state chairman, said the gift giving has been done for the last 10 years.
“This is a time of love, giving and sharing,” Benjamin said. “This is a time to not forget the less fortunate. The party is for all of the people. Don’t look at words but look at deeds.”
Benjamin said the Democratic Party’s concern is about the people of the Virgin Islands. He added that its focus is for unity and a smarter, better, healthier and safer community.”
Andrea Fredericks, manager of guest relations for JFL, and Williana Doctrine, patient advocate, accepted the gifts for the patients and said they were very grateful for the donations.
