AS the summer holiday winds down and the new school year looms, some Negril communities buzzed with excitement as they welcomed volunteers from the Sandals and Beaches resorts in Negril for the annual back-to-school give back held on August 21 and August 23.

The heart-warming gatherings took place across four schools — Cove Primary, Kendal Primary, West End Infant School and Happy Hearts Early Childhood Institution. Some 600 students received essential supplies for the upcoming school year while teachers were given other coaching and learning materials.

The initiative focused on ensuring that students in the Negril communities are well-prepared for their academic journey. The students were presented with a range of back-to-school items, including backpacks, pens, pencils, folder leaves, construction paper, sharpeners, erasers, crayons, markers, glues, art supplies, calculators, geometry tools, rulers, and engaging reading material.

According to Helen Clarke, principal of the Happy Hearts Early Childhood Institution, the donations are much appreciated.

“It gives me profound pleasure to express how thankful we are to Sandals and Beaches for the school supplies donated to our students. These supplies will lessen the expenses on the purses of our parents as they prepare for back-to-school, especially those with more school-aged children.

“They are indeed grateful. Sandals and Beaches have always brightened the smiles on the faces of our students and parents and once again, we say thank you,” said Clarke.

Her sentiments were echoed by several parents across the four schools with various expressions of gratitude for the donations.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to the Sandals and Beaches for treating the students. They are our future and we appreciate the resorts for playing a role in their lives. We love and appreciate you all,” said Nevissa Grindley, whose child benefited at the early childhood level.

The children who turned out also enjoyed refreshments as they played and interacted with the volunteers.

For Aaliyah Cunningham, regional public relations manager at Beaches and Sandals resorts in Negril, the initiative was not only to donate the items, but also to show that the resort chain is invested in the future of the community and its children.

“Education is the heart of a community’s progress, and we wanted to make sure every child feels supported as they embark on this journey. The Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril back-to-school event is one of the ways to show that we believe in their potential. The events weren’t just about preparing for school, they were about preparing for life, nurturing the aspirations of the young, and creating ripples of positivity that will extend far beyond the classroom,” declared Cunningham.