Following a three-month appeal to secure funding, the Clarendon-based Free Town Foundation was able to bring smiles to close to 200 families through the distribution of food packages and gifts during the holidays.
The charity, which is the outreach arm of the Miracle Tabernacle Free Town Church of God of Prophecy, was able to attract scores of children for its “Holiday Hope” event on December 22.
Pastor of the church, Bishop William D. Hutchinson, said through the treat, they were able to affect the lives of the children, the adults and senior citizens from varying communities in Clarendon. Some of the senior citizens are shut-ins, and so members of the Foundation took time to bring food packages to them.
“They [the beneficiaries] were given different types of treats, based on the group that they fell into. It is important to know that as a Foundation, through the kind donations of our sponsors, both locally and overseas, we were able to touch the lives of the people,” Bishop Hutchinson said.
Several children from a children’s home in Clarendon, were also invited to join other children from the community on the church’s grounds to collect gifts. They were able to participate in fun activities and enjoy the varying treats provided.
Opal Thompson, programme chair for the Foundation, said she is grateful for the assistance given by the donors. She and her family dug really deep as well to purchase the additional food items needed for the bags.
“Last year, we did 100 food bags and made up about 50 extras; it was not enough to meet the needs, and so this year, we thought we would increase the amount,” she shared with the Freedom Come Rain newspaper.
However, the amount was still woefully inadequate, as many were still disappointed in not being able to secure a bag.
Thompson, who resides in New York and is also a native of Free Town, said the venture for her is a special one.
“I know the realities in Jamaica; I have my roots there, and if we can offer some hope for the holidays, then it is worth it,” she said.
The bags contained flour, rice, sugar, oil, corned beef, sardines, toiletries, and other items.
One recipient, after looking in her bag, expressed delight at the many items. “I have been receiving food packages, but this one is really stocked. I am so happy, and it will go a long way,” she said, as she shared that not working, it is really hard to put food on the table for her three children. Her gift, she said, would make her burden lighter.
Thompson said the Foundation, which is the outreach arm of the church, is already planning for next year’s event, where she said the aim is to impact even more people.
She said she welcomes continuous donations on the Foundation’s website so that the two main events— the Back to School/Health Fair, and Holiday Hope—can be super successful.
