Private Citizens plan to bring Christmas cheer to the homeless

A small team from SK Exclusive Mobile Detailing and the National Council of Drug Abuse is planning to put some smiles on the faces of street persons across the Corporate Area tomorrow, December 23.

The project, called 'Tek It To Dem,' aims to feed 250 homeless persons on the streets of New Kingston, downtown Kingston and Cross Roads.

Speaking to The Gleaner, Shalina Williams and George Davis of SK Exclusive said the initiative is being spearheaded by private citizens, and is aimed at spreading as much 'Christmas cheer' as possible to those less fortunate. "This initiative is for those people who still care about Christmas. Christmas is about giving back. We're hoping to feed 250 homeless people on the 23rd, and we need the support of private citizens who just want to help. If you want to assist it doesn't take much, you can help by simply donating from your own supplies," said Davis. "Go into your pantries and give what you can, we will appreciate it," Williams implored. In addition to providing meals, their team also hopes to hand out care packages with personal items such as sanitary pads, toothbrush and toothpaste and other toiletries.

The team is seeking the help of the public to assist them in making the initiative a success. They are asking for donations of items such as toilet paper, sanitary napkins, rags, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant. They are also still in need of food items; water, coconut milk, chicken, tin gungo peas, cooking oil and seasoning such as scallion, thyme, Irish potatoes, garlic and pepper.

Items can be donated at all Cannonball Restaurants as well as at Cassup's Kitchen on Dunrobin Avenue. Items can also be dropped off at the National Council on Drug Abuse on Molynes Road. A list of items needed is posted on SK's social media pages.

In addition to items, the team is asking the public to also assist by volunteering their time on the day. Ravil Gohagon, outreach officer for Kingston and St Andrew at the National Council on Drug Abuse, said coming down and helping on the day is just as important as donating items. "We don't just want your donations, we want your time also. If you want to come out and help us, we will be setting up at 9 a.m. in New Kingston, and we will start our feeding. If you don't have anything to give, come and give your time."

Entertainers Razor B and Aidonia are part of the initiative.