ST JAMES, Jamaica — The National Water Commission’s (NWC) eastern maintenance team has demonstrated outstanding corporate citizenship after recently donating essential supplies to the Ultimate Care Centre for the elderly in Catherine Hall, which was severely impacted by flooding during Hurricane Melissa.

In a remarkable gesture of solidarity, the team redirected funds originally earmarked for their end-of-year staff celebration to assist the facility in its recovery efforts.

According to a release from the NWC, among the donated items were water, cooking oil, adult diapers, tissue, bleach, sheet sets, brooms, mops, plungers, curtain sets, bathroom mats, lotion and other much-needed supplies.

Speaking at the handover, Acting Community Relations Manager (eastern) Ann Bolt praised the dedication of the maintenance staff, describing them as the “heartbeat of the NWC” and highlighted their decision to place community needs above personal celebration.

“The team chose to forgo their Christmas social and instead reallocate the funds to support the care centre after the devastation caused by the hurricane,” Bolt said.

The donation came at a crucial time, as nearly six feet of floodwater submerged the lower level of the facility, destroying furniture, equipment and supplies.

Although caregivers acted swiftly to relocate residents to safety, the damage left the home in urgent need of support.

Owner of the centre, Lorna Bogle, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the assistance.

“I am overwhelmed and grateful for how far your team came and for choosing this home,” she said, adding that some of the donated items would also be shared with affected community members.

The initiative brought renewed hope to residents, caregivers and neighbours, underscoring the impact of compassion and unity during moments of crisis.

-Horace Hines