Approximately 5,000 poor Jamaicans in Kingston will again benefit from Mustard Seed Communities’ (MSC’s) annual Christmas morning gesture of giving, fellowship and caring.

The Christmas Outreach Project, now in its 21st year, will feature two convoys of volunteers travelling from MSC headquarters at Mahoe Drive in Kingston 11 at 8:30 am to inner-city communities where they will provide food and toys to residents.

The first convoy will travel along Hagley Park Road, to Half-Way-Tree, then on to Heroes Circle, Fletcher’s Land, St William Grant Park, Parade Gardens, Trench Town and Rema.

The second smaller convoy will distribute at Olympic Gardens, Riverton City and Crescent Road.

Final distribution will take place at MSC headquarters, taking account of the neighbouring communities of Seivwright Gardens, ROOTS Meadows, Bell Rock, White Wing and Lower Hagley Park Rd.

The project was conceptualised by Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed Communities, and has become a well-established MSC tradition that he continues to lead. Donations in cash and kind from over 50 local companies and agencies, hundreds of local and foreign volunteers, help in the provision, preparation and packaging of food, an international toy drive as well as from local secondary and primary schools in and around Kingston, all contribute to the event.

Members of the diplomatic community also join MSC for these festivities and fellowship on Christmas Day.

Residents will be alerted to the arrival of the convoys by the horn and drum sections of the Eagle Drum & Bugle Corps.

In a news release yesterday, MSC said it has been assisted by the Jamaica Defence Force with the preparation, transportation and distribution of meals, while the Jamaica Constabulary Force, another partner, ensures order along the convoy route and crowd control as needed at distribution points.

“Mustard Seed Communities remains forever grateful for the support that makes it possible for us to provide for the disadvantaged and marginalised each year,” the charity said.