St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (December 23, 2023) – On Thursday,employees from Ocean Point Terminals (“Ocean Point” or the “Company”), donated more than $5,000 in gifts and groceries to two families in need. It was part of the Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program initiated by the Company’s Employee Engagement team, and employees at all levels within the organization, rallied together to ensure that both families would have presents and a meal for Christmas. “Our Ocean Point family is committed to giving, and our employees demonstrated the true meaning of the season by answering the call to support these families’ needs,” said Todd Dillabough, Ocean Point Terminals CEO.
Organizers for Ocean Point’s Adopt-A-Family initiative, partnered with Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands and the Bethlehem Shelter to identify two families who needed assistance for the holidays. Brenda Charles with Catholic Charities was overcome with emotion from the outpouring of love and support for both groups. “When Ocean Point called to ask about helping two families for the holidays, I was very excited,” remarked Ms. Charles. “I expected the employees to be generous, but they went above and beyond, providing every item on the families’ wish lists and more! It was truly heartwarming to see the family’s response to the employees’ giving today,” added Ms. Charles.
One of the selected families is a household of four, with two children ages 13 and 8, and an older sibling who is 20 years of age. Their mom had to travel unexpectedly for an ailing family member in critical condition, so they knew Christmas was going to be difficult this year. The other household that was chosen is a family of six, with four children, ages 7, 5, 2 and a newborn. They have also struggled with getting regular meals.
Donations collected from Ocean Point’s employees and the employees’ family members, provided each family with a ham and turkey, rice, beans, pasta, seasonings, assorted snacks, water and juices, and other non-perishable items. In addition to the groceries, employees also provided clothing, shoes, gift cards, tablets, Playstations, headphones, toys and monetary donations for the families. Jeff Charles, Chief Operating Officer for Ocean Point said the company hopes to continue the program annually. “The holidays can be a difficult time of the year for some people, and we are thankful that we were able to make Christmas merry for two families. Next year, we want to have an even greater impact,” concluded Mr. Charles.