PIZZA Hut Jamaica embodied the spirit of giving with its ‘Share the Joy’ campaign, a multifaceted initiative that brightened lives across the island.

Each year Pizza Hut uses the Christmas season as an opportunity to give back, and this year the company elevated its annual corporate social responsibility efforts with a tour that brought joy to children’s homes and communities alike.

The campaign made stops at three children’s homes — the Salvation Army Nest Children’s Home, the Windsor Therapeutic Centre, and the St Andrew Parish Church Home for Girls. At each location, the Pizza Hut team spread cheer with pizza treats, carolling, gift-giving, and interactive e-gaming activities.

The tour began on Thursday, December 12, at the Salvation Army Nest Children’s Home, a long-time partner of Pizza Hut.

Administrator Captain Karen Haughton, affectionately called Grandma by the children, expressed gratitude for the visit.

“Pizza Hut has been very good to this home. They have been visiting us for maybe three or four years, and the children here are always excited to interact with the Pizza Hut team. They are like family to us at the Nest. Especially at Christmastime, we want the children to feel loved, and Pizza Hut is always successful,” said Haughton.

The quick service restaurant made its second stop on Tuesday, December 17 at the Windsor Therapeutic Centre in St Ann to spread holiday cheer with the boys.

Wayne Grant, manager of the facility, shared his appreciation for the visit as he pointed out that the boys were so excited.

“Pizza Hut is the first company to visit the centre since its establishment. This visit today really brightened the day for the boys here, and it is evident. Many of them know what it is like to feel isolated, so a day like today makes them feel seen, and we thank the team at Pizza Hut for giving them this experience,” said Grant.

The final stop was a fun-filled day with the girls at the St Andrew Parish Church Home for Girls on December 19.

“The girls had been looking forward to this visit for weeks. Treats like these are something they look forward to, and it gives them a sense of family, especially during this festive season. We hope to have Pizza Hut come again in years to come,” said manager of the home Karlene Jennings.

Reflecting on the initiative, Pizza Hut’s marketing officer, Levene Sheriff, said the company wanted to make this Christmas extra special for the children.

“In doing so, we launched the ‘Share the Joy’ campaign. At Pizza Hut we believe in creating experiences and lasting connections. Adding an e-gaming element to the tour this year allowed us to engage with the children in a way that resonated with their interests. Seeing their excitement and joy reminded us why we do this — to show them that they are cared for, not just in Kingston, but across all communities.”

The campaign also spotlighted two exceptional young Jamaicans, celebrated as “changemakers” for their contributions to their communities.

The University of the West Indies student and founder of Sign Clubs Jamaica, Zantaye Thomas, was recognised for her efforts to enhance the deaf community and foster inclusion.

In collaboration with the May Pen Unit for the Deaf, Thomas hosted a Christmas treat to extend cheer to the deaf community.

Similarly, Ackeef Nugent, a student at the Excelsior High School, was celebrated for his tutoring programme, designed to uplift children in Cockburn Gardens. With plans to host a holiday treat and class party for students in his community, Ackeef continues to inspire through his commitment to education and community development.

“At its core, this campaign is about kindness and connection. We believe in the power of shared moments, and if we can light up a child’s face or bring comfort to a family, we’ve done what truly matters this holiday season. We want everyone to feel the magic of Christmas and feel like they belong,” said Nugent.