FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 
 
 
 
May 27, 2020 
 
 
VIDE and Census 2020 USVI Join Forces for Children 
  
 
(Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Christiansted, St. Croix) -- The Virgin Islands Department of 
Education (VIDE) and Census 2020 US Virgin Islands are joining forces to positively impact the 
territory’s preK-12 student population. 
  
Census 2020 USVI is providing knapsacks containing gifts for school-age children during the 
Department of Education’s scheduled meal distribution May 27 – May 29, 2020.  
 
We Count books, created by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, are included in free 
Census 2020 packets that are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on St. Thomas, 
St. John and St. Croix at VIDE school meal distribution sites. 
  
Every 10 years, the Virgin Islands participates in the U.S. Census, a data collection effort that helps 
determine the amount of federal funds that will be allocated to local schools, hospitals, roads and 
more. It’s important that everyone who lives in the US Virgin Islands, including every child, is 
counted. 
  
In support of education, Census 2020 created Statistics in Schools, a program that equips teachers, 
parents, guardians and students with online learning tools for preK-12 students. Download grade-
specific  activities, lesson plans and more at www.census.gov/statisticsinschools. 
  
Dr. Frank Mills is manager of the St. Thomas/St. John office of Census 2020 USVI. Lorna Williams-
Sutton is manager of the St. Croix office of Census 2020 USVI.  
  
Help the US Virgin Islands get our fair share. Participate in the Census. The USVI Counts! 
  
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Media Inquiries: 
Patrice K. Johnson 
Partnership Specialist, St. Thomas/St. John 
(340) 693-2278 
(340) 514-3307 mobile 
 
Karen D. Williams 
Partnership Specialist, St. Croix 
(340) 718-2020