CHATHAM, ST James–The over 40 students in attendance at the Bethephil Basic school here were yesterday morning inspired to sing Jingle Bells after a representative from the Montego Bay branch of Advantage General Insurance Company (AGIC) handed over a large quantity of toys to the school.

As they sang the carol, the gleeful infants were unmindful of the burst of laughter which emanated from the parents and school staff.

According to Raquel Gardner AGIC management trainee, her company has embarked upon developing their corporate social responsibility programme, and senior branch manager Margaret Harvey Williams is very passionate about young children’s education. Harvey Williams secures the toys, some of which were also distributed to the nearby Sudburry Basic School, from her Canadian friend Dr Rita Cox.

Gardner said other schools in western Jamaica will become beneficiaries of AGIC’s corporate thrust soon.

“We just want to kick off the initiative with education at this level so that eventually we can aid the process of learning. So we will keep this school and other schools as an ongoing project,” she said.

Josephine Hemmings, founder of the Bethephil Basic School, noted that the donation was the first the school had received in its 34-year history.

” I am feeling so happy… I am thankful. We have seen on television and in the papers where other schools receive donations but we have never gotten anything like this,” she said.

The school’s principal, Sonia Samuels, was equally grateful.

” This will enhance the progress of the children especially the playing area–that is a big part of their learning environment,” she said.

Six-year-old student Gifford Dennis expressed gratitude on behalf of the student body.

” On behalf of the school, I thank you for the toys,” said Dennis.