OVER 200 children were beneficiaries of back-to-school stationery items, clothing, shoes, bags, and food as God’s Heritage Children’s Ministry held its third annual treat at Waterhouse Community Centre, located at Batra Road, St Andrew, on Saturday.

Spearheaded by the couple Onniffe and Charlette Newell, the effort brought broad smiles to the faces of those in attendance. While the children delighted in the entertainment activities on offer, parents sighed with relief when they realised that their budgets would be trimmed by not having to purchase some of the requisite items in time for the start of the new school year on Monday.

“We do this every year because of our love for the children,” said Charlette, who is popularly known in the community as “Auntie Annie”.

Last year she gave up her job as a full-time records officer in the Kingston and St Andrew Health Department to devote herself to aiding the needy.

Her husband, an employee of Tax Administration Jamaica and who is also a part-time pastor, said the couple remains upbeat that the ministry will be able to meet the needs of the people within and outside the community whenever it is possible to do so.

The founders are grateful for the all-round support that they get from volunteers and donors alike which, according to them, makes the task of giving and sharing that much easier.

“We get a lot of support, especially with clothes and food,” Charlette said.

Now, the organisation is searching for a a place of its own so that it can better continue its mission. Whenever meetings are held at the community centre on a Saturday, food is provided for all.

Charlette even counsels children online in a bid to address their psychological and emotional needs.