St Andrew JPs donate to Maxfield Park Children’s Home, appeal made for more help

Shamar Bingham, Gleaner Intern

Winston Bowen, Manager of the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, is appealing for more help for the facility and its children.

Bowen made the appeal at a handing over ceremony of donations to the home by the Lay Magistrates Association, St Andrew Chapter this morning.

“We appreciate whatever anybody brings in to us, whether personally or materially, we always appreciate it,” said Bowen after the home was gifted with items of clothing, food, toiletries, bibles and a flat screen television.

He said caring for the home's 105 children, some of whom are babies, is a task, but said the staff does their best to provide for them.

Bowen said more help would further bolster the children’s home operations.

“We don’t have enough, no one ever has enough resources. Some agencies, some individuals, do a lot, but we certainly could do with more,” added Bowen.

He said that in addition to material assistance the home and the children also need the time and care of individuals.

Bowen noted that children are placed at the home for various reasons including abandonment, unfit parents, and state intervention.

He said that the more than 90-year-old children’s home stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of these kinds of institutions across the country.

He noted that Maxfield Park has produced many professionals and other successful Jamaicans, many of whom have become major benefactors.

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