More than 200 benefit from JADCO’s back-to-school treat in Siloah

More than 200 parents and children were fêted and gifted school supplies by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) at its back-to-school treat in Siloah, St Elizabeth on August 29. The community is still rebuilding following the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa.

Held at the Siloah New Testament Church of God, the event featured food, games, music and lots of surprise giveaways. Parents and children received school bags, lunch bags, pencil cases, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, rulers, erasers, composition books, notebooks, sketch pads, water bottles, among other school supplies. Thirteen students from primary and secondary schools also received book vouchers valued at up to $10,000.

JADCO’s Executive Director June Spence Jarrett says the event was nothing short of a success. “Today was absolutely awesome. There were children ranging in age from two to 17 years, accompanied by their parents and grandparents. All the children received their back-to-school items and were very satisfied. We also treated them and their parents to a full meal and, to top it off, the children enjoyed pizza, cookies, cupcakes and ice cream. It is always a pleasure being at Siloah,” Spence Jarrett said. She added that the initiative not only benefitted members of the church, but residents from the entire Siloah community and as far as Thornton and Appleton.

Javel Williams, whose son received back-to-school items, thanked JADCO for the support. “We the church, the community, parents and children are very appreciative of JADCO. The fact that you always take time out to come, especially at a time like this when it’s so close to back to school and a lot of persons are struggling, we are truly grateful. Continue doing what you do, and I pray God blesses you all tremendously,” she said.

Matthew Graham was among the students who received a book voucher. “Today was awesome. I really enjoyed it and I wish you all the best,” he said as he thanked the commission.

Pastor and district overseer of the Siloah District of Churches, Dennis Banner, could not contain his delight and gratitude. He expressed the view that the children received a holistic kind of treatment. “At one point, I was saying to myself, I’d like to be a child again because I would be in the line receiving some of these items. JADCO, we love you and we are eternally grateful for all that you are doing, what you have done, and what you continue to do,” he said.