TEENAGE mothers and their babies at Mary’s Child in Papine, St Andrew, have received Christmas gifts as Fontana Pharmacy continued its annual Wishing Tree handover joined by brand ambassador and media personality Tami Chynn (Tammar Chin Mitchell).

The handover took place at the Mary’s Child residential facility opposite the University Hospital of the West Indies, and forms part of Fontana’s long-running Wishing Tree initiative which allows customers to purchase gifts for children in need through in-store Christmas trees.

This year, the Wishing Tree initiative is being implemented across Fontana’s 11 locations, with each store paired with a different children’s home. In addition, Fontana has committed to matching every gift purchased, ensuring that children affected by Hurricane Melissa also receive support through the programme.

Mary’s Child, operated by Mustard Seed Communities, provides residential care for teenage mothers and their babies, many of whom arrive through the Child Protection and Family Services Agency after being deemed in need of care and protection by the courts. The home also provides psychological and educational assessments, enabling young mothers to continue their schooling while receiving support in caring for their children.

Administrator Nadia Williams said the annual visit has become an important moment for the young mothers.

“Having Fontana come in every year, along with Tami Chynn brings cheer and a sense of normalcy to the children,” Williams said. “Many of these girls would not otherwise experience a Christmas like this.”

According to Williams, partnerships like these are essential to the home’s mission.

“We cannot do this alone. Our goal is to give these young mothers and their babies the opportunity to live happy, normal lives — and support like this helps make that possible,” added Williams.

In the meantime, Chin Mitchell, who has supported Mary’s Child for several years, said her connection to the home is deeply personal.

“As a mother, I feel very connected to the work being done here. Being a teenage mother is another level of challenge, and the support these young women receive allows them to continue school while caring for their babies,” said Chin Mitchell.

During the visit Chin Mitchell also made a personal donation of $150,000 to the home, underscoring her ongoing support for its work.

She encouraged Jamaicans to view giving differently, noting that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference.

“One tin of formula can feed a baby for a week. One outfit is something a child gets to wear. Nothing is too small. Every mickle mek a muckle,” added Chin Mitchell.

Fontana’s Digital Media Strategist Shaundae Demns underscored that the Wishing Tree initiative allows customers to play a direct role in giving back.

“Our customers are really the secret Santas, [as] we [only] serve as the vehicle to help them bring Christmas to someone else — and being here today reminds us why the initiative matters,” said Demns.

She added that Fontana’s charitable efforts extend beyond the Christmas season through the Fontana Foundation, which is currently supporting Hurricane Melissa relief efforts as well as programmes focused on education and sports.

Nadia Williams (right), administrator of Mary’s Child, accepts a personal donation of $150,000 from Tami Chynn (Tammar Chin Mitchell), brand ambassador for Fontana Pharmacy, during a Wishing Tree handover at the home.