The Market St. Croix presented a matching gift of $10,000 to Queen Louise Home for Children on Friday, Jan. 28. The donation fulfilled the Hamed family’s pledge to match up to $10,000 in donations made to Queen Louise Home in December as a Christmas fundraiser for the program. The campaign raised $22,000 for the home, and the matching gift brings the total contributions to $32,000.
Queen Louise Home for Children celebrated 117 years in December of loving and caring for children without closing its doors for one second.
“This would not be possible without the compassion of individuals like the Hamed brothers and the many who continue to support the home,” said Junia John-Straker, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands.
The Hamed family has donated funds to support the Queen Louise Home for Children for the past five years. It started with the Christmas tree sales, which generally took place in December. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the sales were postponed and replaced with The Market STX challenge to the community to match funds raised during December, which has inspired many to jump on the opportunity to have their gift make a greater impact.
“We wanted to give some sense of normalcy and hope to our community and help everyone to reconnect,” said Waleed Hamed, co-owner of the Market St. Croix.
The Hamed brothers, Waleed, Waheed, Mufeed and Hisham, have continued to support the children at the home in honor of their father’s legacy.
“I knew Mr. Hamed and I am elated that Queen Louise Home was selected as a way to honor him,” said Junia John-Straker.
Hisham Hamed, co-owner of The Market St. Croix, said, “These children did not choose whom they are born to nor their unfortunate circumstances. Those who are fortunate enough to help, should. We all should.”
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Queen Louise Home for Children is a 24-hour residential foster care for children in the Virgin Islands, and contributions fund the costs of operating the program 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Children first come to Queen Louise Home through the V.I. Department of Human Services as a result of abuse, neglect and/or displacement, or for respite care when needed. The program is a part of Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands — the largest private child and family services agency in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Market St. Croix, a Hamed Company, with its origins dating back to the mid 1970s has served the Virgin Island community with quality foods, goods and services. The Market STX is committed to improving the Virgin Island community’s shopping experience — including offering local produce, meats, and products from VI local farmers/entrepreneurs. “Together We Stand”
