A convoy of eight jeeps converged at the Lew Muckle Elementary School parking lot at 8:30 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 16, in Sion Farm, Christiansted, to deliver educational tools to deserving students. Shortly after, with St. Croix Deputy Superintendent of Schools Faith George-Boone officiating in the school’s library, 17 students were outfitted with backpacks, each containing school supplies appropriate to their grade level.
The fleet of vehicles, including a 1984 model Jeep driven by Victor Huertas Sr., then journeyed west to the Eulalie R. Rivera and Claude O. Markoe elementary schools to provide the same gifts to students at those schools. For the second consecutive year, students on St. Croix have been recipients of these items, courtesy of the outreach program of the St. Croix Jeep Association.
The supplies, which included copybooks, pencils, pens, crayons, glue bottles and more, were a result of collaborating with community organizations, businesses and individuals who dropped off the school supplies and checks at the Jeep Association’s headquarters in La Reine.
“Everybody needs help and we want to give back to each and everyone,” said St. Croix Jeep Association Treasurer Cecil Simmonds at the Claude O. Markoe stop. “We take part in everything and hold fundraisers such as car washes and bake sales to benefit the community.”
Simmonds says the 22-member club customarily reaches out to assist wherever they are needed. For example, under the direction of the Department of Public Works, they cut and clear bushes to ensure visibility and safety on busy roadways, or they use their jeeps to assist St. Croix Rescue in its efforts.
Deputy Superintendent George-Boone, on behalf of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, extended a heartfelt thank you to the St. Croix Jeep Association for spearheading the educational drive, and to the individuals, agencies and businesses for helping to improve the learning experiences of students through their generous donations of school supplies.
