Lenore Lawrence said she had nothing to eat in the house Saturday morning, so she walked to the Lighthouse Mission on the corner of Market and Company Street in Christiansted, where members of the Rotary Club of St. Croix Mid-Isle were serving breakfast.
“I’m blessed and thankful for the Rotarians looking out for us,” Lawrence said. “I really needed this. I thank God for the Rotarians.”
Lawrence got a little more than a holiday breakfast Saturday. The Rotarians also distributed gift bags full of toiletries to about 40 people.
The recipients smiled as they chatted with Rotarians in the small dining area that was decorated for the season with a Christmas tree with blue ornaments and silver garland.
The holiday spirit was felt by all the folks, as they burst out singing "Feliz Navidad."
“People really appreciated the special treatment today,” said the Rev. Ed Cullen from Southgate Baptist Church, director of the mission. “The people we serve don’t usually break out in song with heartfelt gratitude.”
The breakfast consisted of breakfast burritos that Wallace Phaire Jr., owner of Schooner Bay Market, made with eggs, ham, cheese, onions and potatoes. They also dined on fruit cocktail, cookies and candy. The Rotarians footed the bill for the food and gift bags with funds from their community service budget, which is generated from fundraisers.
The gift bags, designated for men or women, contained candy canes, Lifesavers, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and cologne.
Rotarian Bill Prochaska, chairman of the club’s community service committee, said they have been holding the Christmas breakfast beyond recollection.
“Serving at the mission takes me out of myself and I join members of the community I wouldn’t normally be with,” said Ralph Collins, president of the club.
The Mid-Isle Club serves three Saturdays a month and Rotary Club of St. Croix Harborside serves one Saturday a month.
“They (Rotarians) are very caring and loving doing this for us in need,” William Martinez said. “Their sharing with us really touches my heart.”
As he finished his breakfast, Robin Herrington said he was pleased to have a chance to share the holiday spirit and celebrate with all his friends at the mission he has come to love.
Collins said Rotary was formed to offer service to the community, and he joined for the opportunity to serve. Cullen said they couldn’t serve the hungry in the community with out such volunteers as the Rotarians.
The mission serves breakfast Monday through Saturday.
