Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer

Helping those in need brings her tremendous joy. A good Samaritan, Claudette Seaton relaxes at her home in Temple Hall, in rural St Andrew.

In times when people are overly concerned about their own problems and trying to make ends meet, those in need often get left behind. But Claudette Seaton lives by the philosophy, 'If you are not giving, you are not living'. She lives by this every day, putting the less fortunate at the forefront.

An office attendant during the week, Seaton dedicates her services to the elderly and destitute, as well as to children. At present, she has the primary responsibility of taking care of three elders; she visits them at their homes and takes care of their needs. Quite admirably, these people who she considers a part of her family are by no means related or close to her or her family. "It's most times through word of mouth I meet the persons or if I see them on my own and recognise their needs. I will accompany them to doctor visits, bathe them, groom them and take food items for them." Because of her day job, time is limited, but she dedicates her weekends to fulfilling her duties to the elderly.

Volunteerism

Benevolence has always been a characteristic of Seaton. This, she says, was instilled by her family. "We didn't have the money; all we had was our dignity. It's what's in your heart." And, surely, it seems to be a family trait as her twin sister, Winsome Webb, also takes care of the poor and destitute.

A resident of Temple Hall in rural St Andrew, the good Samaritan recalls her first introduction to volunteerism. "My sister told me about this blind woman who needed to go to the doctor. I went and took her to the doctor who said she needed two eye surgeries." Seaton would visit her as she had no help other then her daughter who was in England. "I was the one taking care of her and then her daughter gave us a trip to England. When we returned, I took her into my home until she passed away at 85."

Following that experience, she was inspired to continue.

Other than her three primary 'patients', Seaton still helps others. "I can't say no, I will take things from home and give because I believe the more you give, the more you will get." Based on earnings from her day job and the profit she makes from craft items she makes and sells, the 49-year-old funds her good deeds. "I don't believe in really asking for help to a great extent but I will get help from government agencies that provide Pampers for the old people."

Loves old people

In the near future, Seaton aspires to making her dream of adding a room for the elderly to her house a reality. "I would love to have a bedroom with three beds and a bathroom for three old people to live here with me. I love old people - they are a blessing."

Seaton also helps children from hers and surrounding communities and her own community and "each year, I keep a treat for them and I get tremendous support from corporate sponsors. I don't accept cash though, just tangible items, especially educational material to benefit the children."

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com

Left, Claudette Seaton (Hope) sits beside her twin sister, Winsome Webb (Faith), at Claudette's home. Both are involved in voluntary services for the elderly and children