Sandra Brooks organises Good Samaritan effort for Old Harbour

Residents of Old Harbour, St Catherine, will not be left out of the Christmas cheer as Sandra Brooks and members of her team will be hosting their charity event, which is expected to cater to hundreds of elderly persons and children in the community.

Brooks told The Gleaner that the event, dubbed The Good Samaritan, will be held at the Old Harbour Bus Park tomorrow. She pointed out that the effort holds a special place in her heart, as it was born out of her own experience growing up in the Maxfield Community in St Andrew, where she experienced severe levels of poverty and rejection.

"I know what it is to experience poverty and rejection. I remember the days when I was with the Grace Thrillers (gospel group) and we would go to these events and see all the food and sometimes tears would come to my eyes because of the fact that I left my family back in the ghetto, who I know were eating butter and dumpling," she said.

"As such, it has always been on my heart to do something for the poor as God took me out of that situation. It was ministry that got me out of that situation, and so I pledge the poor at any cost," Brooks said.

She added, "I had the opportunity of going into Old Harbour recently. I felt so overwhelmed. The needs are great and the crying is high. I want to let them understand that Jesus is still the solution to the problem, because the same way He took me out of the ghetto He can do the same for them."

Topaz Berlin, Brooks' manager, also noted that there will be a free concert, which will feature various gospel artistes, including Brooks, Prodigal Son, Chozenn, Jai Kingston, Jodian Pantry, Keesa Peart, Norretta Lewis, Dianne Barnett and others.

jodi-ann.gillpin@gleanerjm.com