Stacy Ann Stoner: Making a difference one life at a time

For as long as she can remember, Stacy Ann Stoner has always had a desire to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. It was a burden she bore until December 2014 when she founded the Stoner's Hope Foundation, with the main focus being to help children, the elderly and the disabled.

In an interview with The Gleaner, Stoner said she started sharing photos of the small outreaches she carried out on social media and was delighted when others expressed the desire to be a part of the effort, resulting in the formation of the foundation.

Four years later, Stoner said they have assisted the homeless, children's homes in Kingston and St Catherine, infirmary as well as supporting the HIV-get-tested campaign.

"We have also assisted schools in Kingston, St Andrew and Clarendon with their breakfast and lunch programmes, serving over 4,000 meals," she informed.

This month, Stoner said her foundation will be having its breakfast/lunch programme in two schools, as well as a spelling competition at three primary schools, inclusive of May Pen Primary.

Hampered by the lack of support, Stoner said it pains her heart when she cannot reach as many persons as she would like, but she is grateful that herself and other members of the team contribute from their pockets to make it happen.

"We get an unexplained joy from helping others, so we take from our pockets. My co-workers from the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime investigation branch have been a great help. They donated items for our breakfast programme, homeless projects and so on," she said, giving thanks for others outside of the foundation who also gave their support.

Stoner has big dreams for the foundation, as she said assistance will not be contained to Jamaica's shore. Her ultimate dream, she revealed, is to assistant Jamaicans in need right across the world.

"I want to open a home for abused children and for us to expand our existing projects," she said.

Stoner, who hails from Clarendon and is a past student of Denbigh High School, joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), powered by her desire to "defend those who cannot defend themselves".

"The JCF is a noble organisation and I have dedicated 12 productive years to the people of Jamaica. I was one of nine participants and the only female in the recent JCF/LASCO Police Officer of the Year competition," she shared.

Come September 27, Stoner will be spearheading the Stacy-Ann Stoner Blood Drive and mentorship programme.