June 30, 2010 - SPLIT, Croatia (NNS) -- USS Taylor (FFG 50) crew members participated in a community relations project and donated Project Handclasp materials at the Maestral Orphanage during a port visit to Split June 24-28.
The project was designed to enhance the livelihood of the 60 orphans at Maestral Orphanage and forge friendships with Croatian citizens.
"This was a very meaningful visit for the crew of Taylor," said Ensign Kelly McWhorter. "Not only were we able to donate needed goods, we were able to spend personal time with the children and interact with them on a personal level."
Maestral Orphanage cares for children ranging from infants to teenagers.
Taylor crew members donated a pallet of Project Handclasp supplies of toys and clothes during their visit to the orphanage. They were later treated to a tour by the staff and children and spent time working and playing with the students and their new toys.
"Being able to see the looks on their faces and how excited they are is very fulfilling," said Quartermaster 3rd Class Michael Bell. "It really makes you enjoy your job that much more."
For the next two days, Taylor's crew hosted 20 children. Sailors conducted tours and demonstrated some of the ships basic damage control capabilities, navigational aides and gave the children a chance to ring the ship's bell.
"The children loved the tour," said Suzana Svrtan, a teacher at Maestral Orphanage. "The children looked on the internet when they heard the ship was coming, but they were even more excited to be on the ship."
Svrtan added that when the children returned from their tour aboard Taylor, they were very excited.
Taylor is an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate homeported in Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
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