Garfield Grandison (second left), Gleaner's editor-in-chief along with Norman Marshall (third left), circulation manager and Karin Cooper, (right) corporate affairs manager, serve the homeless at the Salvation Army's Peter's Lane facility, downtown Kingston, yesterday. During the visit The Gleaner gave a donation to the Salvation Army, representing a percentage of the income from the sale of the newspaper last Tuesday.
-Norman Grindley photo
Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
LARGE BUBBLING pots of food, Christmas decorations and music, along with hundreds of smiling faces, made for a merry atmosphere at yesterday's Salva-tion Army/Food For the Poor annual Christmas lunch for the indigent.
The event took place at the Salvation Army's Peter's Lane facility, downtown Kingston.
Karin Cooper, corporate affairs manager at The Gleaner Com-pany, took the opportunity to present a cheque to the Salvation Army on behalf of the newspaper. The donation will go towards the charity organisation's major projects and represents a percentage of funds from last Tuesday's sale of The Gleaner.
Persons from surrounding communities turned up at the luncheon and were met with the open arms of Salvation Army officers and representatives of Food For the Poor.
WHISPERED A PRAYER
Marie Francis, a 42-year-old unemployed mother of two, was among the first to be served with lunch. Her children, 11-year-old Sadeke and 12-year-old Anto-nette, were by her side as she collected the meal, took a seat at a nearby table, lowered her head and whispered a prayer before eating. The family of three praised the Salvation Army and Food For the Poor, for helping them catch a glimpse of Christ-mas, in a year that has dealt them blow after blow.
"This year did rough. Is di first mi really smile in a long time," began Marie. "Salvation Army always good to we and so every year mi come at this time and dem set we up. Mi can't afford nothing fi di pickney dem so at least fi one day dem can feel like
As Marie said these words, she looked across at her young daughter whose face was bright with glee as a Salvation Army officer placed a bottle of soda before her.
TEARS
"Mi just nuh have it an' if a neva fi dem people here mi nuh know wha mi would do," she said, her eyes welling with tears.
Augustus Grant, a blind 78-year-old father of two, was also in high spirits as he delved into his meal of fried chicken and vegetables.
"Fi mi pickney dem gone an nuh memba mi but is all right. Mi still see Christmas every year. Dis a my Christmas party and dem people yah ah mi new family," he said with a broad smile.
Captain Ruben Phillips of the Salvation Army said this year's treat was the largest he has seen.
"It's definitely larger than last year. Right now there are maybe 1,200 people outside waiting to be served. We are happy to help though, that's what we are here for," he said.
