Ellis family gives back to community

Tamara Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Porus, Manchester:

The phrase, 'No man is an island, no man stands alone', used to help others understand that one needs another's help, is not something affirmed by all, but for the Ellis family in Porus, this is not only affirmed, it is acted upon.

The family, which had their first-ever family reunion, included in its week-long events, a community project day which saw numerous persons being fed, receiving clothing and the community centre getting a much-needed clean up.

"We are collaborating with a local church group which my aunt spearheads, they do a feeding programme that the family sponsors and we are just here to continue to give back," said family member and assistant project coordinator, Patricia Baker.

Over 20 family members, both locally and internationally, turned up to show appreciation to a community that grew them and help their relative continue her dream.

"This programme began in 2000 when our former pastor at the New Testament Church of God, Reverend Phyllis Neil, and Sister Claudette Spencer used to look after people down in the market, but the place wasn't as accommodating. Reverend Neil started to cook and bring it to the people, but after which she decided she was going to take them up to church where they would be better accommodated and we could get to minister the word to them," stated family member and project coordinator Margrette Simpson.

She added, "We later left the church and came down here by the centre and for about three years now, this is where we are. The inspector of poor comes and give them (beneficiaries) clothing and stuff and every third Thursday of the month we just do what we can for the street people, the shut-ins and the less fortunate."

Simpson stated that since its inception, the Ellis family, among others, has been providing sponsorship, however it's an even greater joy having them here participating and continuing the trend.

"As long as the Lord lends us breath we will be doing this...we are obeying the word of God which says we must take care of those in need ... some children don't have clothes to go to church or school, we help them ... persons who don't have any meal, we try and help them 'cause you have some people who are suffering."

With several of the beneficiaries unable to make it due to disabilities or constraints, the family made it a priority to deliver to them, not only providing tangible items, but also providing counselling for those in need.

SATISFACTION

"We believe to whom much is given much is required, and if at any point in your life you feel you can give back to the community, you should ... . I think it gives some kind of satisfaction and it's a big part of our family that we give back to our community," stated Baker.

Though several financial constraints threaten the efforts of the family for people like Victoria Brown, she is happy people are so determined to help others.

"The feeding programme is very good and I have three children who get benefits from it. It has helped my pocket a lot. I do domestic work from time to time and what I would normally spend I don't because the programme helps me. If I use to spend $1000, I don't need to spend that much cause they provide some things for me, so I get to use that money for something else that is important," said Brown

Baker, who has an annual personal back-to-school drive, is hopeful this will become a part of a collective community service effort and that more people will come on board

"I am happy to be a part of giving back and we are just hoping that others will follow suit. We are hoping that the hardware stores and supermarkets can donate cleaning agents and other items for the future and help us move our community forward." She said.

rural@gleanerjm.com