Dec. 28, 2007 — The pediatrics unit at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital has some new high-tech equipment, thanks to holiday gifts from across the community.
For the past four years, real estate agent Land De-Wilde has made a personal call in October to the pediatrics-unit staff asking if they have a specific request.
"Whatever we give to the unit is greatly appreciated by the staff," Amy Land De-Wilde said. Coldwell Banker Land De-Wilde Realty gave a vital-signs monitor and a Pan Opothalmuscope valued at more than $5,000.
"The donation from Amy Land De-Wilde will keep on giving over and over," said Margaret Miller, CNA in pediatrics. "The children will definitely benefit from the equipment donation."
Giving to the hospital is a worthy project, Land De-Wilde said, and she feels good about giving back to the community as her business grows.
"First and foremost we are led by need," she said. "Instead of an office Christmas party, my employees give one for the children, including gifts."
The Democratic Party has given gifts on Christmas day three out of the past four years.
"Seven of us took time out Christmas day to deliver gifts to the kids," said Dodson James, local party chairman. "It gives us such a wonderful feeling to see the kids get gifts on Christmas day."
They make sure to give good quality, lasting and fun gifts for the 15 to 20 children in the hospital at Christmas, James said. The democrats are also part of the 15 organizations and businesses that give gifts to the first baby of the New Year.
"We want to make a lasting impression with the first baby, cause they may be future democratic voters," James said.
Owners of Carlos Furniture gave a chair in the shape of a soccer ball to the pediatrics unit in their first year of donating.
"Hopefully in the future we can do more," said Jihad Idheileh, co-owner of Carlos. "We have had nothing but good experiences at the hospital."
The hospital played a major role in Idheileh's family: relatives born at Juan F. Luis include his three sons, seven brothers and sisters, three nieces and two nephews.
"This is one way we can give back to the community and help where it's needed," Idheileh said.
Employees of the Almeric Christian V.I. District Court on St. Croix also gave furniture, according to Rashidi Clenence, public relations officer for the hospital.
"The pediatrics unit has definitely benefited the most this Christmas," Clenence said. "Since the holiday season began, there was always somebody giving."
Last week, the St. Luke AME church youth group sang carols and gave $200 to the pediatrics unit. The Future Business Leaders of America from Central High School and St. Croix Educational Complex donated presents and sang carols. Also singing and donating gifts was the National Honor Society from Central High.
"It is refreshing to see students donating on their own," Clenence said.
In January, Clenence plans to initiate a coin drive in all of the schools on St. Croix to benefit the hospital.
"Kids always have coins in their pockets they can donate," Clenence said. The school that donates the most will have a party hosted by Clenence and local musicians.
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