INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB

International Women’s Club Members pack and deliver 432 Christmas food packages to Antigua’s neediest citizens

Members of the International Women’s Club packed and delivered 432 bags complete with foodstuff, cards and candy to 216 residents around Antigua and Barbuda.

Photo via Karen Harrington

Starting at 8am sharp on 11th December at the CCSET center, the women, many dressed up in their cool red and white outfits and Santa hats, others wearing just comfortable clothing and shoes, were merry and bright and the packing went quickly. The men, some husbands of members, others just friends and volunteers, had the car trunks packed by 9am! Many of the women cleaned out their closets and toy chests, and some bought toys for the record number of 117 children in households delivered to, Each child received at least one toy, and they all received tooth brushes and an extra apple.

“This year, it appears that more of the elderly recipients have passed away, and there is a greater need for families with small children”, says Louise Knapman, the main IWC member involved with purchasing the goods and coordinating with the various clinics for the Christmas Hamper Programme. “There were two families who lost their homes last month to fire, and were asking for building supplies. The demographics of the needy have really changed this year in Antigua and Barbuda.”

The Christmas Hamper Project could not be accomplished without the financial support of the Mill Reef Fund, Putters Restaurant, Robert Eremian, Barbara Parris, Jerry Bento and Rosemary Margoris. The Christmas Cheer Raffle at the IWC Annual General Meeting December 2 yielded $495.00. Elaine Houston donated candy canes.

Photo via Karen Harrington

The IWC thanks Epicurean Fine Foods for the delicious apples they donated, Mitchell A. Michael for the BOGO offers, and Denise Doherty for the Antigua Fruit Cake discounts given for these gifts to the district nurses for their help identifying the recipients of the hampers.

Nineteen thousand dollars was spent this year on the foodstuff bought for the hampers which included basic food items like flour, sugar, corn meal, cooking oil, dry beans, cereal, crackers and biscuits, tea, pasta, sardines, ketchup, apple juice and lots more. Extra hampers were delivered to Mt. St. John’s Hospital, St. John’s Hospice, the Salvation Army, Sunshine House and Cottage of Hope.