Gov. John deJongh Jr. and first lady Cecile deJongh will be handing out educational gifts, including a book by a local author, at children’s holiday parties on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John this month.
“Cecile and I are delighted to once again host the annual children’s holiday parties, and look forward to celebrating the joy of the season with all residents of the Territory, including for the Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other holidays,” John deJongh said in a statement from Government House.
As part of the holiday festivities planned on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, educational gifts, including the newly published book, The Lesson Box, by local author Tregenza Roach will be distributed to children in grades K-3.
“Every year, we work with a local author to publish a children’s book to distribute at the end-of-year holiday season events. This year’s book is a wonderful story of family, friendship and community that is sure to delight children and families." Cecile deJongh said in the statement.
The schedule for the 2011 Children’s Holiday Parties is:
- St. Croix: December 10 at Government House, Christiansted from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
- St. Thomas: December 17 at Emancipation Garden, from 3 to 5 p.m.
- St. John: December 19 at the Battery, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Children and families throughout the Virgin Islands are invited to celebrate the holiday season with the deJonghs, along with Santa Claus and his merry elves. Light refreshments will be served.
The governor and first lady will also host the 5th Annual Christmas Fair on St. Croix at Government House, Christiansted, at Queens Cross Street and Government House courtyard, on December 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be arts and crafts vendors, as well as various food stands.