GRANGE HILL, Westmoreland — Citizens of this rural community, working with members of the local police youth club, have come to the rescue of a 61 year-old pensioner and his wife, who lost all their possessions in a fire about two months ago.

Eric Boothe and his wife Gloria were at the health clinic trying to get medication in January when their house was completely destroyed. Since then, they have been living in an old building that formerly housed the Morgan’s Bridge police station.

A group of concerned youth from the Grange Hill Police Youth Club decided to lend a helping hand.

“We saw the need to assist them, as the abandoned building that they occupied was not convenient,” said Constable Robert Hilton, of the Morgan’s Bridge police station.

He is the leader of the youth club.

“With the permission of the owner of the premises of the old police station, we are building a 10×10 structure,” he continued. “This is a temporary location as we will be moving the house to a permanent place as soon as the land is identified.”

Once a permanent site becomes available, a pit latrine and bathroom will also be constructed for the couple’s use.

While the youth club sourced most of the funding, substantial assistance came from the business community, and area workmen provided free labour.

It is estimated that the Boothes’ new home will be completed at a cost of about $85,000. This does not include the value of a bed donated by the Grange Hill Citizens’ Association, plus clothing and linen from others in the community.

And more help is on the way for the elderly couple. Beaches Negril’s public relations department has also indicated that they will provide a supply of linen and groceries.

The project is just one of the latest spearheaded by the police youth club whose members have already refurbished the Dally Basic School, fed and cleaned the homes of elderly citizens all over Grange Hill. They have also made several contributions of grocery and clothing to the needy.