Islington children treated ahead of back to school
Published:Monday | August 26, 2024 | 12:09 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Islington, St Mary
Approximately 200 children benefited from The On Di Go for Christ feeding programme and Back-to-School Treat held on Saturday in the depressed community of Islington in St Mary.
The event, which had its inception in 2020, is the brainchild of Aneta and Sydie Ricketts, who, along with other community residents, have embarked on a journey to provide assistance to the needy, including the elderly.
“The On Di Go for Christ Programme started in 2020 during the pandemic. It came about as there was a definite need to provide catering for the elderly, the sick, shut-ins, along with children from the Islington community in a holistic way, “ said Aneta Ricketts.
“Saturday’s treat was an annual event where we provide school packages this time of year for the children of the community. Persons involved in this programme are both from overseas and locally and I am grateful for their support. The team, the Islington Chapter, is made up of yours truly, my husband, children and some community members. The turnout was overwhelming. We served over 100 children and also their parents, along with others who were present, “ she added.
Children from other adjoining districts, including Albany, Roadside, Joe-river, Sports Road, Baccasswood, Pimento Hill, and Nutfield, also benefited from the special treat.
The children received a variety of items, including cartridge paper, file jackets, pens, pencils, erasers, toothpaste, clips, rulers, and blank paper. They were also served a sumptuous meal.
According to Ricketts, the event had a positive impact on the community and she said, currently, it is the only programme that provides assistance to the elderly and children. She noted that The On Di Go for Christ Programme is persistent in its efforts to also carry out minor repairs to some properties occupied by the elderly, through sponsorship provided by its donors.
“Since the existence of the programme, it has had a tremendous influence on me as a individual who lives by the Word of God and to the belief, as it is written in the Bible, ‘If you love me, feed my sheep’. So, we are doing this as it is the right thing to do,” she concluded.