Monday, students from Project Promise’s The Caterpillar Project (TCP) program joined thousands across the country and participated in a national day of service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The Caterpillars planted over 40 coconut trees across a St. Croix beach in an effort to help restore some of the local agricultural life destroyed when Hurricane Maria devastated the island last September.
“After the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria, this project was a great opportunity for our Caterpillars to participate in the restoration of our community. The planting of these local trees will help to bring back the beauty of our islands for many years to come,” said Resa O’Reilly, president.
The Caterpillars were joined by Project Promise volunteers and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard who wanted to take part in the students’ service project. “I believe in what Project Promise is doing for the youth of St. Croix. I believe that what is being done will impact the future of the island and the future of these children. I think it is an awesome program. I am proud to be a part of this program and that Project Promise allowed me to be a part of it,” said Malcolm Osteen of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Osteen is here on island assisting in the recovery process along with other U.S. Coast Guard members.
Every month, the Caterpillars take part in a community service project as part of their commitment to making a difference to those around them. Today’s National MLK Day of Service provided the students with the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings, in addition to their monthly service commitment.
