Groups unite to bring Christmas cheer to Kingston residents

Organisers of the 1City Feed the Homeless and Toy Giveaways Christmas treat say that they are pleased to have met their targets, while also putting a smile on the faces of thousands across the Corporate Area last Friday, Christmas Eve.

The joint efforts by members of Kingston-based groups, the Big League Foundation from Allman Town and Southside's City Life Ministries, provided meals for 2,000 homeless and indigent persons in downtown Kingston, Cross Roads, Half-Way Tree and New Kingston. Joy and cheer were also brought to 2,000 children across the Corporate Area when they received toys and other presents.

Dr Carrington Morgan of City Life Ministries told THE STAR about the joy he experienced while handing out the gifts throughout the day.

"I am very pleased with our first staging of the 1City Christmas treat. The logistical feat included over 15 shelters and community-based groups across five communities. Our objectives were met on different levels, as this was not only a day of feeding and presents, but an initiative that brought thousands of donors and recipients together under a common and unified cause. We hope to do it bigger and better in 2022," he said.

His sentiments were shared by the founder of Big League Foundation, Xavier Gillette, whose tough experiences as a child contributed significantly to his desires to help others.

"I am extremely pleased with how the day worked out. We wanted to ensure that Christmas can have a meaning for the persons who benefited from this initiative. We met the 2,000 meals and toys [target] that we promised we were going to feed and give away. With the help of the Seaview Gardens community, Waterhouse and Allman Town, we were able to feed 2,000 people at homeless shelters. We gave out toys in the communities of Allman Town, Southside, Waterhouse and Tivoli Gardens," he said.