FSN hosts food drive as donations from businesses dwindle
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI- As many are still recovering and rebuilding from Hurricane Irma, the Director of the Family Support Network (FSN), Sasha H. Stoutt, has expressed that the demand for the network’s services has increased while donations by businesses have decreased.
This is why it has been essential for the FSN to increase their efforts and initiatives to aid families and individuals in need of help.
FSN hits the road
A food drive held at RiteWay in Pasea Estate on Saturday July 6, 2019 is one of many such events planned to assist these individuals and families ‘pick up the slack’ as they continue to recover from adverse circumstances.
Mrs Stoutt told Virgin Islands News Online that donations from businesses have gone down as many companies are focused on rebuilding and recovering after the major 2017 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, hence the level of food/funds collected have slumped. That is why FSN has taken to the streets to host more food drives to collect goods from the general public.
Director Stoutt stated that approximately 7,000 individuals, along with their families, get food from the FSN on a yearly basis. She also mentioned that it’s important to collect food now, as children are home for summer break and will require more food.
Mrs Stoutt said, “It’s Summer time, kids are home, they are wanting food. They are growing; but we are simply not getting enough. That is why we are doing food drives.”
At this food drive, Sasha said individuals were giving only a little each, but it all adds up.
“The community thinks that, me by myself, I can do nothing; but the reality is, little bits and pieces come together and make huge amounts.”
Mrs Stoutt encouraged everyone to give, even if it’s just one item, as it goes a long way.
Volunteering with the Family Support Network
Working with Mrs Stoutt at the food drive was Assistant Administrator of FSN, Deidra Mascott and Office Manager, Wendy Charles.
Also volunteering at the food drive was Ms Heather Prentice and Rebecka Persaud.
When asked by Virgin Islands News Online what inspired her to volunteer with the FSN, Heather said, “I wanted to give back to the community, so I contacted them.”
The Director, Mrs Stoutt, said anyone can volunteer at FSN by picking up an application from FSN’s office.
Donations can be dropped off at the FSN office as well.
“We are located next to the Midtown Restaurant on Main Street. We are there from Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm”, said Mrs Stoutt.
The contact number for FSN is +1284-542-2085.
Other services provided by the Family Support Network are: Free Counselling, Emergency Shelter for 5 days and a Breakfast Programme where breakfast goods can be collected every two weeks.
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3 Responses to “FSN hosts food drive as donations from businesses dwindle”
I give to FSN so I understand the need for emergencies but giving ongoing support to people who cannot support themselves money would be better spent buying them tickets back home where their family can help them and then they can return and start again if they wish.