Photo Credit: Ministry of Health and Social Development

Photo Credit: Ministry of Health and Social Development

The Social Development Department (SDD) is encouraging members of the public to donate items to support its annual back-to-school supplies and uniform drive. According to the department, the drive is in an effort to provide vulnerable children in the community with the tools to start the new school year successfully.

The initiative, which started three years ago, aims to collect various school supplies to assist those who qualify throughout the Territory.

Through the Government Information Service (GIS), Supervisor of Family and Children's Services, Mrs. Stacie James stated that they use the opportunity and with the public's help, to assist vulnerable families in the community who may be having a difficult time preparing their children for the new school year.

Mrs. James stated that stationery items such as copy books, pens, pencils, book bags, rulers, erasers, sharpeners and new school uniforms are welcomed.

"We encourage persons to give as much as they can," said Mrs. James, who expressed gratitude to persons who have participated in the drive on previous occasions.

Interested persons can contact the Social Development Department in Tortola at telephone 494-3431, or visit the office at Botanic Station next to the Happy Lion Restaurant between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Mondays to Fridays. Additionally, they may visit the Family and Children's Services Office located next to the Road Town Senior Citizen's Centre.

In Virgin Gorda, persons can contact the Virgin Gorda Social Development Department at telephone 495-5291. They may also visit the office located upstairs BVI Cable TV in the Valley, Virgin Gorda between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm Mondays to Fridays.

Additionally, donations may be delivered to the Social Development Department offices on Tortola and Virgin Gorda from August 9 to August 29.