ADRA representative in St. Eustatius Camelia Berkel-Dembrook (second right) and Island Councilman Reuben Merkman with other volunteers in front of the container filled with donations for the victims of the volcano eruption in St. Vincent.
Some of the items that were donated inside the container.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA), St. Eustatius, through its relief programme together with the Community Services Department of the Seventh Day-Adventist Church, organised a donation drive in response to the humanitarian crises in St. Vincent, due to the devastation created by the active volcano.
ADRA representative in Statia Camelia Berkel-Dembrook said the drive started on April 18, and continued until May 2.
To transport the collected items to St. Vincent, a 20-foot container was acquired with the help of Duggins Supermarket.
During the collection drive, many individuals, businesses, the Roman Catholic and Baptist churches, as well as various social organisations collected and delivered items, ranging from food supplies, clothing, to over-the-counter medical supplies and other necessities.
Upon sealing the container, the donations consisted of 1,613 pieces of men’s and boys’ clothing and 4,065 pieces of women’s and girls’ clothing. Cash donations and other miscellaneous goods were also received, Berkel-Dembrook stated.
“ADRA extends thanks to the entire community of St. Eustatius for their overwhelmingly generous support in this donation drive.”
As it is no longer possible to ship items to St. Vincent because shipping options are limited, any items received after the closing date will be stored and reserved for the assistance of the less fortunate in future disasters at home or abroad.
