For a decade now, the Marymount High School’s Holiday Helpers have been spreading the joy of Christmas among community members in Cromwelland district in Highgate, and other areas of St Mary.
Indeed, even during the pandemic, the Guidance Department-led initiative continued its tradition of making the season a happier one for those in the community.
Over the years, attention was placed on assisting the indigent, the elderly, and teenage mothers.
This year, though, to mark the 10th anniversary of the event, the Holiday Helpers turned their attention to their own, donating gift baskets to 17 students and their families, ensuring that the joy they have been spreading to community members over the years can be felt by their peers.
“This year the focus was shifted to 17 students from the school population along with their families, who received grocery hampers to make their Christmas a little brighter,” guidance counsellor, Tena Williams-Leslie told The Gleaner.
“The students and their families were extremely grateful,” she added.
The grocery hampers contained practical items including a wide range of grocery items and toiletries.
The team of guidance counsellors that this year include Williams-Leslie, Imani Gordon, and Yolisa Passley among others, have spearheaded fundraisers to facilitate the Christmas gift-giving. Past students have also contributed to the effort over the years, donating items such as tablets and other school supplies.