HUNDREDS of children benefited from back-to-school support over the weekend as the Pocket Rocket Foundation hosted its fifth annual treat in the communities of Waterhouse and Ewarton.

The two-day initiative kicked off on last Friday at the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Resource Centre in Waterhouse and continued on Saturday at Redemption National Church in Ewarton, St Catherine. More than 450 children were served in Waterhouse and 200 in Ewarton.

Children as young as three years old received Nike backpacks containing school essentials such as notebooks and lunch kits provided by Burger King. Grace Foods distributed branded gift bags, and more than 650 backpacks with snacks and supplies were shared across both locations.

Support for the initiative came from several partners including Nike, Grace Foods, The Jamaica Biscuit Company (Excelsior, Holiday Snacks, Bermudez), and Burger King.

An additional $500,000 in book vouchers, valued at $5,000 each, was funded by Sangster’s Book Stores, Digicel, Main Event, Burger King, and the foundation’s founder and chairwoman, sporting icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

“For many parents, this is one of the most financially stressful times of the year,” said Fraser-Pryce. “Through the foundation, we aim to meet that moment with love, support, and the resources children need to feel confident and prepared.”

Fraser-Pryce, who grew up in Waterhouse, described the annual treat as one of her most rewarding projects.

“It is heart-warming to see the children smiling, collecting their supplies, and feeling excited about school. That’s the energy we want to nurture, a belief that their goals are possible,” added Fraser-Pryce.

Since its inception, the Pocket Rocket Foundation has reached thousands of children across Jamaica through academic support and community outreach with the back-to-school treats being a cornerstone of that mission; helping to close the gap between opportunity and access for students islandwide.