Pembroke Pines – Nearly 1,100 children from several children’s homes in Kingston enjoyed a special Christmas Treat last Thursday, December 1 at the St. Andrew Parish Church Hall, Half Way Tree, hosted by volunteers of the Needy Kids of Jamaica of South Florida.
Large shipments of toys, food and clothing, totaling $8,000 (US) were distributed to children from homes including St. Andrew Girls’, Alpha Boys’, Musgrave Girls’, Glenhope, Maxfield Park and Best Care Lodge.
Assisted by workers from the Department of Children’s Services of the Ministry of Health, the team of six volunteers from the Florida -based organization, led by President, Ms. Elgeta Thompson-Martin, treated the children to an evening of fun and games and party treats.
The children were transported to the Hall, which was decorated with party favors in the spirit of Christmas. Santa Claus was on hand to present each child with a specially wrapped gift of toys and clothing, “a delight of every child at Christmas time,” according to Ms. Thompson-Martin.
Residents in other homes throughout the Corporate Area also received Christmas packages as the volunteers continued their three-day treat on Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3 in Jamaica.
The annual Christmas treat to Jamaican children is now in its 23rd year and Ms. Thompson-Martin said, “her team looked forward to sharing Christmas joy with the less fortunate ones every year.”
Each year the proceeds from the annual Grand Independence Ball hosted by Needy Kids organization, are used for that purpose, according to Ms. Thompson-Martin.
She expressed appreciation to Jamaican-based corporations who have been assisting in this effort over the years. These include Air Jamaica Limited, Victoria Mutual Building Society, the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, along with the Ministry of Health and E.C. World Travel in Miami.
