JACKSON TOWN, Trelawny – The Jackson Town Reunion Foundation and the Optimist Club of Falmouth last weekend presented care packages to scores of teenage mothers and other citizens in several communities across Trelawny.

The donation was aimed at easing the economic burden inflicted on the vulnerable by the novel coronavirus.

Jackson Town Reunion Foundation handed out 45 care packages to senior citizens in that community, while the Optimist Club of Falmouth donated 25 to teenaged mothers who reside in Ulster Spring, Carey Park, Spicy Hill, Deeside, and Hague Settlement.

Chairman of Jackson Town Reunion Foundation, Earle Pottinger, stated that the foundation was formed in 2013 to assist with the development of the Jackson Town community and its environs.

“Jackson Town consists of mostly subsistence farmers, hence the socio-economic status is poor. There are quite a few areas which could do with as much help both from Government and NGOs [non-governmental organisations],” he argued.

He noted that the foundation took the decision to deliver the care packages to the senior citizens in a bid to alleviate the burden they face on a day-to-day basis, especially now during the COVID-19 crisis.

According to Pottinger, the care packages consisted of basic items such as sugar, flour, rice, canned food, and cooking oil.

Jackson Town resident Doris Campbell, who was one of the recipients, expressed gratitude for her package.

“It came at the right time because I didn’t have anything, and God provide,” she told the Jamaica Observer West.

Meanwhile, the care packages for the teenaged mothers were delivered by the Optimist Club of Falmouth on Saturday. President of the Optimist Club of Falmouth, Natanish Hines, expressed that the young mothers were recommended by the Women’s Centre and the Wellness in Motion Vulnerability Reduction Arm.

“Helping to make a difference in, or to the lives of our youth, especially our children, is second nature to us as Optimists, and that can be seen in the various projects that we continue to do in and around our communities. So, when the ideas to solicit sponsorship from our members to provide care packages to teenage mothers, we did not hesitate, members began making their pledges. We bought rice, flour, cornmeal, sugar, milk, tin mackerel, juice, tissue, cooking oil, wipes, fabric softener, washing and bathing soaps,” she told the Observer West.

Teenaged mother, Trecia Salkey, was grateful for her package.

“I am truly happy and thankful,” the young mother expressed.