UNITED States Ambassador Pamela E Bridgewater this year hosted close to 100 children at her upper St Andrew residence for her second Children's Christmas treat since her official tour to Jamaica commenced in October 2010.

Participants, including US Embassy staff, families, enjoyed hours of food, games and activities at the colourful and vibrant outdoor setting at the ambassador's residence. Face painting, cookie decorating, soccer and swimming, were thoroughly enjoyed by guests, ages three to 14 years old.

More than 30 US Embassy staff members, their spouses and children volunteered to support the day's events and served an enticing lunch.

To culminate the afternoon, the children were surprised and excited by the grand arrival of the Embassy's Santa Claus. Each child was presented with a wrapped gift by Santa and his elf.

The age-appropriate gifts, consisting of stuffed toys, books, colouring pads, and educational material, were donated by several American institutions/organisations, including the New Zion Baptist Church, headed by the ambassador's husband, the Reverend Russell Awkard. Support was also given by the Wisynco Group and Pepsi Jamaica Limited, which both provided refreshment for the day's event.

Participating homes and schools included the Sunshine Child Care facility in Spanish Town and the KGA Productionz Outreach in Kingston.

The children and caregivers expressed their deep and sincere appreciation to the ambassador and the embassy's staff for their generosity and time in creating the day's experience. Ambassador Bridgewater was pleased with the day's activities, a tradition which she has kept at her various international postings.