>The Salvation Army centre located at 53 Lyndhurst Road that was recently robbed of $200,000 by thieves, has received an unexpected Christmas gift from students of the Convent of Mercy, Alpha Academy High School for Girls.

The girls, all members of the school's Key Club, donated 10 large bags filled with clothes and shoes, and $5,000 in cash. Students at the institution gave all the resources voluntarily.

Priscilla Spence, president of the club said, "It is our practice to give a helping hand if we can, wherever the need exists."

On Tuesday, December 5, The Gleaner published an article titled, 'Salvation Army robbed'. The Lyndhurst Road facility was broken on over the previous weekend and $200,000 taken from the Christmas Kettle Appeal, money that was to be taken to the bank.

Alert to the needs

"Our actions are in response to that article," said Mark Russell, club adviser. He added, "I was doing some late reading when I saw the article. Immediately I thought it would be a good opportunity to reinforce to the students the objective of the club, which is to be alert to the needs around them and to assist if they are able to."

The club was established at Alpha High on April 22, 1980.

Major Denzil Walcott, head administrator at the Lyndhurst Road centre, expressed appreciation, stating that the donation, especially the clothing, will go a far way in re-energising the Salvation Army's charitable thrust for the Christmas season.

Major Walcott revealed that starting early next year, the Salvation Army will embark on a programme to remove homeless persons from the streets of downtown Parade in Kingston. "It is our mission that there will not be one person seen lying on the sidewalk in that area," he said.

He added that the Salvation Army would collaborate with a number of residential homes for the project.