Mustard Seed Communities to feed 5,000 on Christmas Day

This Christmas, Mustard Seed Communities continues its 16-year tradition of sharing food and toys with inner-city children and golden agers. Last year, approximately 5,000 persons were able to benefit from the efforts of volunteers. This year, the treat will again target 5,000 residents in various inner-city communities, from Parade Gardens (Southside) to Rema.

This year, a large convoy of cars, buses and trucks will depart Mustard Seed Communities headquarters at Mahoe Drive in Seivright Gardens at 9 a.m. on Christmas morning, travelling up Hagley Park Road to Half-Way Tree then on to Heroes Circle, Fletcher's Land, Parade Gardens, St William Grant Park, Rema, and Riverton City. The parade of vehicles will be led, as is now a tradition, by Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon and The Eagle Drum & Bugle Corp, under the direction of Captain Clifton Lumsden. The joyous and lively seasonal music provided by the young and enthusiastic band members is now an indispensable part of the morning's energy.

More than 200 local and foreign volunteers, including staff members, will begin preparations up to two days before Christmas Eve, and then will work through the night to prepare meals, drinks and stuffed animals for delivery. The Jamaica Defence Force will again generously assist in the preparation and distribution of 2,500 meals and will help to maintain order along the route. The Jamaica Constabulary Force will also be assisting at the distribution areas to distribute the meals and toys.

This year, Mustard Seed Communities has established a toy drive with the aid of a number of local schools and churches in order to supplement the donations. These organisations include Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School, Stella Maris Preparatory School, Alpha Academy, Campion College, Hillel Academy, Immaculate Conception High School, and Wolmer's High School. So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and this year's Christmas treat will once again provide much cheer and goodwill to so many who lack so much.

Drop toys off at any Island Grill store islandwide.