Due to a delay in shipment, the distribution of care packages to residents in Clarendon had to be pushed back until Saturday, January 11. This was, however, a blessing in disguise, as residents welcomed the bags of groceries during what is traditionally described in Jamaica as the “tamarind season.”
The Free Town Foundation’s Holiday Hope event was held on the grounds of the Miracle Tabernacle Free Town Church of God of Prophecy in Clarendon, and saw many in attendance. The event was originally slated to be held days before Christmas but had to be postponed due to the shipment delay.
The recipients were grateful for their care packages during a month that many often see challenges.
“This come at the right time. Is now we were supposed to collect it?” said one elderly lady as she held up her bag of groceries that she had collected from the team of volunteers at the church.
With over 200 care packages distributed, the event made a tangible impact on families in need from different communities in Clarendon. The organisers went above and beyond, ensuring that the community’s most vulnerable were not just remembered but celebrated. The careful preparation and thoughtfulness behind the care package distribution were evident and reflected a genuine desire to uplift those in challenging circumstances.
Following the feting of the adults, it was time to focus on the children, and what fun they had! They were treated to rides and enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones courtesy of the foundation.
A standout moment of the day was the presentation of a bicycle to Selvin James, a student of Clarendon College. His pastor, Veronica Blythe, from the Rocky Point Church of God of Prophecy, shared with Freedom Come Rain that James has been very ‘helpful’ in the church, and after losing his mother over a year ago, she thought it would be a nice gesture to brighten his holiday.
The event not only highlighted the commitment of the Free Town Foundation to service, but also showcased the vital role of the church in supporting the community. Holiday Hope was a testament to the power of collective effort and the enduring impact of generosity. It served as a reminder that, even in challenging times, hope and compassion can bring light to those in need.
The event was made possible with the support of several donors, the volunteers, and the commitment of the organisers.