KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Over 230 children from rural St Catherine benefitted from a back-to-school treat hosted by the Holy Ghost Assembly Church of God, in Kitson Town, on Friday, August 25.

The children received text books and schools bags and were feted by the Church, which was supplied with provisions by several business entities.

Pastor of the Church, Joan Fennel, said the treat staged as a gesture of love for the children by the members and other persons volunteering.

“This is a passion that we have to help children, especially those in need. They turned out in large numbers (and) we (were) so happy to be with them. I feel so good to know that we are able to meet the needs of the people in our community,” she said.

Pastor Fennel added that the Church consistently endeavors to reach out to the community by providing educational gifts, among other provisions, adding that the volunteers assisting with Friday’s treat were pleased that the children will get a “brand new experience with new books (and) bags to start (the new) school (year).”

She said based on the feedback, the Church and its partners are looking forward to organizing an even bigger event in 2018, while urging this year’s beneficiaries to make the most of the gifts received.

“Do as much reading as possible, because I know it is going to benefit you to become better Jamaicans,” she said.

One of the beneficiary students, Romairo Blackstock, welcomed the gifts which he said were “well needed”, adding that he would endeavor to use them to do his best in school, while encouraging the other children to do likewise.

Another student, Candice Williams, said that she would be wrapping her books to ensure the covers are not damaged, thereby ensuring that they last for the entire 2017/18 school year, which starts in September.

“I give thanks for Pastor Fennel, the Church, the sponsors and all the volunteers (who have provided these gifts),” she said.

Meanwhile, parent Conrad Thomas, described the effort to stage the event as “tremendous”, noting that it would serve to ease the cost of school preparations.

“To assist the parents with (these supplies) came at the right time, and we are grateful,” he said.