CHRISTMAS cheer was in the air in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, as the Sandals Foundation and team members from Sandals South Coast Resort hosted a one-of-a-kind holiday party for some 400 children — bringing joy and the magic of the season to young ones whose families continue to reel from the effects of Hurricane Melissa.

A vibrant team of elves, Santa, and Mrs Claus delighted children from Culloden Infant School, Kings Primary School, Petersville Primary School, and the Whitehouse Early Childhood Institute on Thursday, as they enjoyed a lively mix of music, art, story time, craft, games, delicious treats, and more.

The day also incorporated meaningful psychosocial activities led in partnership with Sesame Workshop. With the famed team of Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby exploring with children how to express big feelings — families were given specially designed workbooks to support coping, healing, and emotional processing emotions in the wake of the recent storm.

The event, which took place at the Sandals South Coast football field, was topped with the distribution of a suite of toys from Canadian and United States companies — Spin Master, Jazwares, and The Toy Foundation.

“It has been a tough few weeks for families in Whitehouse, but nothing should eliminate the magic of the holiday season and giving our young ones a moment of pure joy,” said Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation.

“Children are a major focus of our recovery efforts — from our commitment to rebuilding damaged schools to ensuring they continue to feel supported, safe, and uplifted. This event is our way of sharing with families that they are loved, supported, and surrounded by people who care deeply about their happiness and well-being,” added Clarke.

Across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation has mobilised holiday treats for the distribution of 45,000 toys — marking the customary close to the year. In Jamaica, and in light of the challenges posed by the recent hurricane, the teams in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril will spearhead specially tailored activities and lean on the reach of a number of local partners to support the wide distribution of toys to children in hard-hit communities.

“We are grateful to be able to partner with Food For the Poor, Rainforest Foundation, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and others who will help us distribute 18,000 toys within the deepest corners of our affected communities to guarantee more children can share in the magic of the season,” said Clarke.

In the meantime, Mark Khouri, executive vice-president and chief operating officer at Food For the Poor, said its team will lead in the delivery of 4,000 toys.

“Toys will be distributed across the parishes of Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James, targeting communities and families which have suffered significant losses during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Together, we remain committed to delivering hope, comfort, and meaningful support to communities in need,” said Khouri.

Since the passing of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working with local agencies and international partners to provide shelter, food, clean water, and medical support to hard-hit communities.

In addition to supporting hospitals to remain as functional as possible to serve patients, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International has also been equipping fishers, as well as operators of small- and medium-sized businesses, to restore their livelihoods.

As part of its long-term recovery efforts, the foundation will, in the coming months, rebuild and renovate damaged schools to restore a sense of normalcy for children.

Karen Zacca, director of operations at the Sandals Foundation, shares a moment with a child on the mechanical bull.

We missed her name but we could not miss the picture of this champion jockey on the mechanical bull at the Sandals Foundation treat in Whitehouse, Westmoreland.

Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, shares a smile as she distributes craft activity books and supplies to children at the recently held Christmas treat.

United States Travel Advisor Clint Finch watches as a future Reggae Boy advances on the goal.