Michelle-Ann Letman, Gleaner Writer

The festive mood of Christmas was on Thursday brought to a number of homeless persons at the Marie Atkins night shelter on Hanover Street, downtown Kingston, courtesy of the Department of Correctional Services.

The department's decision to feed the homeless is a follow-up to last year's event when correctional officers reached out to members of the community who are less fortunate.

"The response we got last year was great, it was a fulfilling feeling to know we could have done something special for these people at Christmas," probation officer, Patricia Steele, told The Gleaner.

"They were very appreciative," she added.

The Christmas treat catered to about 120 homeless persons at the shelter, most of whom were men.

They were offered a Christmas meal that included baked chicken, curry goat, ham, rice and peas and vegetable salad. To top off the festivities, everyone received gift bags courtesy of sponsors DYC Fishing Limited, Bank of Jamaica, AZ Mart among others.