Cindy Haynes

Touched by heart-rending Christmas wishes of five inner-city children, published in yesterday's Gleaner, several Jamaicans responded positively and have pledged deliveries.

Jaleen Anglin, nine, of Rum Lane in Kingston, had expressed his dream of owning a pair of white Nike sneakers. For Christmas, he wished for a pair of new shoes to wear to Emancipation Park on Christmas Day and have his picture taken.

Jaleen's, Joshan's and Theo's wishes

Jaleen, Joshan and Theo

One woman has pledged two pairs of her son's sneakers to Jaleen. She said she would love for her 10-year old son, who owns the sneakers, to see that there are children who are less fortunate than, he is.

Other persons telephoned The Gleaner and emailed to say they intend to make young Jaleen's Christmas merry.

Pledges also came in for Jaleen's brothers, Joshan Anglin and Theo Wilmot.

Joshan, five, has never had a Christmas gift and has wished for a toy truck. And big brother Theo just wants to see their mother happy. He would want to see the house fixed up, painted and for his mother to get a sheet to put on the mattress.

"... I would like to make some of these children's Christmas wish a reality. I am particularly interested in buying sheets, a truck and Nike shoes," one respondent said.

"I am making a trip to the U.S. this weekend, which is an opportunity for me to purchase these items," the respondent added in an emailed letter.

Kiwan Foster's and Cindy Haynes' wishes

Kiwan Foster

The wishes of Kiwan Foster and Cindy Haynes also touched hearts. Kiwan, a 15 year-old Holy trinity High School student, wished he could pay his school fee. And Cindy, an 18-year-old sixth former at St. George's College wished someone to help her mother fix up their house at Rosemerry Lane, Kingston. Her father is in prison overseas and although she would love for him to come home for Christmas, indications are that he won't come home until next year . She would love to see her mother get help to effect well-needed repairs to the house.

Among the many persons whose heart Kiwan's story has touched is a security guard who called and pledged $500 towards his school fee. One woman pledged to pay half the school fee while another person expressed an interest in ensuring the boy remains in school.

"I would very much like to lend a hand (monetarily) to Cindy Hanes and Kiwan Foster. Their educational goals are inspiring," one letter read.

Another letter said: "After reading the simple wishes of the children, I would like to offer them gifts ... I grew up poor but God has blessed me over the years and I would like to bring some happiness to these children."