MORE than 100 taxi drivers who serve Spalding and neighbouring communities in Clarendon were surprised with gifts from young people of the Spalding and White Shop district Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) churches on Saturday.

The initiative, which formed part of the church’s Global Youth Day, was carried out under the theme ‘A Community Transformed’ (ACT).

This is when the church’s youth put their faith into action to serve their communities and be Jesus’s hands and feet.

This year the young people of Spalding and White Shop Adventist churches joined more than 740 congregations in Jamaica that chose to impact communities.

They gifted taxi drivers in Spalding town as they recognised the invaluable role they play in the transportation network of numerous communities.

With smiles and gratitude, the young people distributed car care packages and tracts and offered words of encouragement, highlighting the importance of their service.

“I’ve been driving this route for years, and I can’t remember the last time someone stopped just to say ‘thank you’. This made my day, and I appreciate the kindness,” said one taxi driver.

Others expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture as they said they are often overlooked for their daily service.

“Global Youth Day is more than just an event — it’s a lifestyle of service,” said Pastor Harrone Guthrie, who supervises both congregations.

“Today [Saturday], our young people showcased Christ’s love practically, and I am confident their impact will extend beyond today,” added Guthrie.

The initiative resonated deeply with the young participants.

“It felt amazing to give back to those who help keep our community moving daily. Many of them were surprised by our gesture, but their smiles showed how much it meant to them,” said J-Que Willams from White Shop church.

Abigail Gabbidon from Spalding SDA, added, “Sometimes, we don’t appreciate their daily sacrifices. This experience reminded me that simple acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day.”

In the meantime, Pastor Dane Fletcher, youth director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, said it was an impactful day across Jamaica, as the youth broke out of the walls of the church and focused on the needs of the community, providing health care, sharing financial advice, connecting with youth and children in depressed communities, distributing literature, praise and prayer services, and other activities.

“We will continue to positively impact our communities as transformation is not an event, but a process,” said Fletcher.