Jamaican charity looks to impact hundreds, seeks assistance

A charity operating out of Clarendon, Jamaica, is seeking to make an impact by providing 200 bags of groceries for struggling families during the yuletide season.

Free Town Foundation has been unofficially operating for more than 20 years, focusing primarily on helping children from 6 to 17 years of age.

Officially registered as a charity in 2016, the Free Town Foundation began carrying out small initiatives — back to school drives, a treat for disadvantaged children, and children’s fetes. Today, the Free Town Foundation provides food, clothing, medical screenings, back-to-school supplies, and scholarships to the poor in the community.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it changed the script for the charity, as it unearthed the overwhelming need for assistance for the elderly and others who were struggling to put food on the table for their families.

This year the organization is planning a fete for about 200 children in what is being promoted under the theme “Holiday Hope”.  It will be the fourth staging where food packages will be distributed as part of the event involving the children.

Opal Thompson, program chair of the Free Town Foundation and also a native of the community who now lives in the United States, said she is fired up to do all she can to make the event a success.

“The reality is that I can only do so much; the need is great, and I would welcome other sponsors coming on board to ensure we meet our target,” she shared.

The event will take place on Friday, December 22, on the grounds of the Miracle Tabernacle Free Town Church of God of Prophecy, for which the charity is the outreach arm.

Thompson said she welcomes donations of canned meat items—corned beef, sardines, mackerels, pink salmon, and sausages, among other stuff.

She is also pleading for financial assistance, as the things will have to be shipped and cleared in Jamaica, as well as additional food items purchased there.

“I am a woman of faith, and I believe that someone will read this article and be inspired to sow into this ministry. Just knowing the difference they will be making in so many lives will be worth it,” Thompson states.

Last year, on December 23, 2022, the Free Town Foundation held its year-end outreach program and distributed almost 200 bags of food to the community, along with toys for the children.

Contributions can be made on the foundation’s website, www.freetownfoundation.org.

SOURCE Free Town Foundation