By Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer 
Jim and Donna DeFreece (seated), of Nebraska, USA are flanked by their children, grandchildren and in-laws just after they were honoured at the Vioris Bernard Education Centre, in Falmouth, on Monday for their 17 years of coming to Jamaica to help schools in and around Falmouth. - Richard Morais Photo
WESTERN BUREAU:
AFTER 17 YEARS of service to many schools in the Falmouth area, Trelawny, Donna and Jim DeFreece of Nebraska in the United States, were lauded for their contributions to the schools' reading programmes in a ceremony at the Vioris Bernard Education Centre on Monday.
Mrs. Lilis James, principal of the Falmouth Infant School, chaired the ceremony, organised by the Falmouth Methodist Church and the schools that were beneficiaries of the contributions.
Mr. and Mrs. DeFreece were presented with a special plaque in recognition of their kind deeds and years of dedication.
Twenty-five members of the DeFreece family, including five children, their spouses and grandchildren, were also in attendance to witness colourful tributes in word and song.
Mrs. DeFreece is a retired reading specialist and for the past 17 years has been shipping hundreds of books, primarily remedial reading material, to the Falmouth schools. Over the years, the donations have translated into two containers of books, along with other items she took on her visits or sent with various persons.
Mrs. DeFreece visits the island at least twice per year to conduct reading sessions, while her husband Jim mobilises teams to build furniture for the schools. The couple has been coming to the island under the auspices of the Falmouth Methodist Church.
