Santa at 16 - High school student brings joy to street people
Published:Thursday | December 23, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Anastasia Cunningham, Senior Gleaner Writer
A heart of gold just doesn't seem adequate to describe 16-year-old Krystal Reynolds.
The bubbly Immaculate High School student cheerfully handed out food and goodies to homeless at The Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre on Peters Lane, Kingston, five days before Christmas.
Hours before she arrived, the homeless were lined up outside looking intently for their early Christmas treat.
Krystal's arrival was an indication of her celebrity status, as eager persons flocked the vehicle the minute the Salvation Army team began to unload.
Immediately, Krystal and her mom, Allison, began preparing to receive them. The teen then got to work handing out 100 meals, nutri-bars and 75 care packages of toiletries she brought. She had a smile and a hug for everyone, as she stopped to listen to their story or share a kind word.
She didn't have time to slow down, nor did she seem to want to, as the steady stream of homeless persons kept coming as word spread that Krystal had arrived.
"I love doing this!" Krystal declared.
There wasn't any doubt about that.
This is her second year feeding and caring for the homeless at Easter and Christmas.
Krystal said the idea blossomed in November 2009 when she realised that she was in the ultimate position to give. She said she thought to herself: "What is it I want for Christmas? I have everything."
Less fortunate
Daily soliciting by beggars at nearly every stoplight made her aware of just how many people were living on the streets. Their overwhelming need tugged at her heart.
It suddenly dawned on her. The best Christmas present she could ever want was a smile of satisfaction from the less fortunate.
She told her dad, who immediately responded, "Want to do it tomorrow?"
Her mom's response: "Let me make some phone calls and put it in motion."
With the full support of her parents and friends, Krystal got her Christmas wish.
Did she always have this big a heart?
"Yes," said Mom. "As a child, she always wanted to help. She has such a caring heart. She was always wondering why people weren't kinder, why more people wouldn't help when there was so much need in the world.
"She takes after her father, who has the very same heart of giving," said Allison.
Krystal said her dad taught her always to be kind to everyone she should meet.
"I believe with all my heart that one person can make a change," said Krystal, whose favourite subject streams are food and nutrition, business, and information technology.
"I love these people, and I love talking to them and hearing their stories," she told The Gleaner.
Krystal said she had heard many heartbreaking stories, which drove her to want to help even more.
The teen's next big plan is to stage a huge walk with underprivileged children in Jamaica and donate the money raised to basic schools and the children's hospital.
"I love seeing those in need happy, and that makes me happy," she shared.
Krystal also thanked those who helped in her charity thrust: "My mom and dad, my hairdresser Sharon, Mrs Williams in England, friend Crystal, Mr Nelson, and The Salvation Army."
Captain Derrick Miller, administrator for the Peters Lane and Lyndhurst Road operations, said, "I think Krystal should be commended. It is good to see a young person so concerned about the well-being of her fellow man. I am certain those who benefit from her kindness appreciate it."
In partnership with Food For The Poor, the Peters Lane centre provides two meals per day for some 500 persons.