Bearing gifts of love, local Jamaican actress Tanice Ellis and her army of volunteers were determined to not only bring goodies, but a spirit of love and cheer to the residents of Fairview Nursing Home, a privately operated facility for the elderly, in her home community of Linstead, St Catherine.

Ellis said that snuggling up to a group of elderly people, while they told her stories of times long gone, was exactly how she envisioned enjoying the dawn of 2016.

“From very early I realised that among my many passions was caring for the elderly, spending time with them and gaining from their wealth of knowledge. Before now I would wonder where I found this genuine love for older people, and then I realised that it is quite possible that this is linked to the love that I have for my grandmother, with whom I am very close,” a gleeful Ellis shared.

Ellis said that it was this same passion that formed the basis of the thrust she had two years ago to establish her charity organisation Good Deeds, through which she has hosted a number of back-to-school treats, Christmas treats and similar visits to the nursing homes.

“I started Good Deeds because of my love for people. My greatest pain is to see people [hurting] and to help where we can, we have been gifting people with a number of items, from basic household items, such as toiletries, to food items and back to school supplies for children,” Ellis said

She acknowledged that what is most fulfilling to her is not so much the act of giving, but the appreciative faces, the warm smiles on the opposite side of the gift giving, along with the pleasure that comes from soul-talks and the reaction that often comes from treating residents to new hairstyles she gets in return.

But all this joy, Ellis revealed, would not have been possible without the help of her dedicated team. She explained that had it not been for her team members, she would have struggled to keep Good Deeds afloat amid her very hectic work schedule.

“It is difficult managing work and the engagements that are associated with it, but I have a group of dedicated team members and volunteers who have a similar interest, who have taken the time out to help me to live my dream,” Ellis said

She also praised contributors to the Good Deeds Foundation who have continuously supported her non-perishable food items and toiletry drives, which has enabled her to reach a greater audience than she had first imagined she would. The Bashy Bus actress is also considering expanding her programme to assist other people with even greater needs.