Grace brought the spirit of Christmas to All Saints
Published:Friday | December 14, 2018 | 12:00 AMNickoy Wilson/Gleaner Writer
It was a day of food, frolic, and fun for students and staff at the All Saints Infant School in west Kingston yesterday as the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation hosted a Christmas treat for them on the school grounds.
The students, ages three to six years, received Christmas gifts and back-to-school items. They also enjoyed rides on the merry-go-round and played on the bounce-about.
The teachers were not left out as they were presented with gift baskets as well as tokens.
Principal of All Saints Infant School, Patreece James-Douglas, told The Gleaner that the GraceKennedy foundation helped to ease the financial burden of parents, who had been asked to make a contribution to host a Christmas party for the children.
"The parents are really appreciative because they wouldn't have been able to afford the party full cost. We were asking for $600 from each of them, where we would have bought gifts for the children, but it wouldn't have been as much as this," a beaming James-Douglas said.
One such parent was Kerryann Blair, whose four-year-old son was happy for the treat. Blair, who was the only parent volunteer, lauded the foundation for its contribution.
"It's a good feeling because we would have had to find it out of our pocket, and for Grace to come in and sponsor us, it's a good thing to do. It has helped to build the school," Blair said.
A HIGHLIGHT FOR STUDENTS
With the infant school being located in a volatile area, Audrey Howell, who has been teaching at the school since 1999, said the treat was a highlight for students.
"It's great, and I know they will appreciate it. And to see that not only the persons in the community are looking out for the children, but also companies outside. They see the need and they come in, and I am so thankful for it. We are grateful," Howell said.
According to Tanketa Chance-Wilson, general manager of the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, they have been doing children's treats for well over a decade, with a different school selected to benefit each year.
She said that back-to-school items were among the things the students received yesterday because of the company's focus on education.
The foundation is the outreach arm of the GraceKennedy Group.