The third annual Angel Tree Christmas Celebration at the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) was noted to be a “huge success”, for last month’s holiday festivities. Photo: Provided

Those sentiments were expressed by members of staff and attendees to the event held by the Social Services Unit within the Authority. A grand total of 87 children received wrapped gifts that ranged from dolls, clothing, smart phones, electronic toys and much more. Additionally, 28 families received a full Christmas dinner that included a turkey, a ham, side dishes with all the holiday trimmings, dessert and a case of juice.

Joyfully speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Darlene Carty Baptiste, stated “Since the inception of this programme in 2013, I am humbled by the generosity of our staff and I am overjoyed to see the smiles on the children’s faces each year. This time of year we celebrate and give thanks, and I am thankful to see so many families participate in this programme as it is an expression of the gift of love.”

The Director of Hospital Services, Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith added, “The Social Services Unit is always helping and assisting families year round, however they go over and beyond the call of duty with the annual Christmas celebration. This year they exceeded their expectations with gifts for 87 children. I want to thank the Unit for their dedication to helping so many families within our community.”

Also giving remarks at the ceremony, the Social Services Unit Manager, Mrs. Marion Turnbull stated, “In these hard times, people are forced to do more with less and the true meaning of Christmas has always been the free gift of Christ, so to share His message of giving, I am pleased to be part of this celebration where Virgin Islands families and children can have a blessed holiday season. I also want to thank the BVIHSA employees who sponsored the children’s gifts and the corporate community which sponsored the meals for the families.”

The BVIHSA Social Services Unit provides the following services: patient advocacy, assistance to dialysis patients, long and short term care planning, patient evacuation, support groups, counselling in the areas of grief/loss, abuse, chemical dependency, and many others.

The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority is committed to providing services that will promote health and well-being to the Virgin Islands community.