US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association

USVIHTA members and other Virgin Islands locals reached out to Addelita Cancryn Junior High School this summer to assist in gathering donations for their annual hygiene program, Head to Toe. The program was launched six years ago by Cancryn Principal Lisa Forde, then Principal of Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School. The program initially began to address the lapse in grooming that some students were experiencing.

“On behalf of the faculty and staff of the ACJHS, I want to thank the participating members of the hotel association for making a difference in the lives of our students,” said Forde.

Through USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton, Forde was put in touch with hotels and other businesses that had supplies the students needed, such as samples of shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, sanitary napkins and shaving kits. These products were packaged and given to students after presentations were made by grade level, teaching them how to clean themselves “Head to Toe.” The sessions were also separated by gender and became so successful that Forde was able to institute the program at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School after leaving Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School.

This year, the school has serviced over 600 students and will begin the program even earlier next year. Forde predicts the program will be complete by Oct. Anyone willing to donate sample-size items to the program can contact Lisa Forde at Addelita Cancryn by calling 340-774-4540.

Thank you to the following members who donated: Marriott Frenchman’s Reef; Marriott Frenchman’s Cove; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; Wyndham Vacation Ownership: Elysian and Bluebeard’s Beach Club; and Walgreens.