Paperboy JA partners with DHL to bring cheer

Paperboy JA staff Jason McKenzie  hands over gifts of clothing, books and toys to Glenhope Nursery Manager Maxine Smith.  Looking on are Child Development Agency’s Training Officer Sophia Walters and a DHL representative

The pitter-platter of the small feet of children trying to make the best of their circumstances - most of them in worn out shoes and no toys to play with, touched Geoff Lewis of Paperboy JA.

“I have visited children’s facilities on more than one occasion and I felt that if we could help give these kids a sense of self-worth, and brighten their outlook on life, many of them could begin to rise above their harsh beginnings,” Lewis said.

Armed with the zeal to do something for these needy children, Lewis started garnering materials to donate. “I wasn’t in a position to help financially,” he said. “So I decided to reach out and collect clothes and books.”

“I felt that a good place to start would be to provide the children with toys of their own to play with, and enough toys for the playroom in the facility for everybody to enjoy, as well as some reasonable clothes to wear and books to read,” Lewis said.

Two years ago Lewis turned to Facebook, sending messages to friends all over the world, to enlist their assistance in collecting items for the children. The result was that parents, children and schools from various parts of the UK came together to assist the group.

DHL, which has supported the project from the beginning, kicked into gear arranging the logistics of the collecting the toys, and transporting the items to Jamaica.

Third Delivery

The gifts were recently handed over to Glenhope Nursery, Manager Maxine Smith and the children at the Maxfield Park Childrens Home which houses children from birth to eight years old. This is the third delivery they have made since starting the project.

“We gave 25 boxes comprising educational and story books, toys and board games,” Lewis said. “There were a whole bunch of clothes too. Lot of these books came from schools in the UK, who are changing their libraries.”

DHL’s Claudine Gordon said: “We are passionate about striking a balance between our economic goals and social responsibility, and this means giving back to various communities around us.”

Glenhope Manager, Maxine Smith said: “I thank you both for taking the time out of your busy schedule and for making this tremendous effort to touch the lives of these children.”

Lewis further called upon individuals and organisations, who have clothes, books or toys to donate to get in touch through the project’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/HelpJamaicanOrphanages or email: paperboyja@gmail.com.

Published UK Gleaner, November 22 - November 28 Edition