Mocho children fêted

Mocho, Clarendon:

Scores of children in Mocho, Clarendon, were fêted last Friday during the annual police Francis, Allison, Ayton, Campbell and Simpson (FAACS) Family Foundation Christmas treat.

"We have specifically targeted the youths in Clarendon to create a new generation of citizens, who will bridge the gap between the police and the various communities to augment our crime-fighting capabilities," said head of the Clarendon police, Senior Superintendent Dayton Henry.

According to Henry, the drive to enlist the support of the youth is already paying dividends with an increase in the number of police youth clubs and a sharp decline in crime in the parish.

Coordinator of this year's treat, Enos Anderson, told The Gleaner that it was sponsored by the Clarendon Crime Prevention Committee, the Mocho police and the FAACS Family Foundation.

Anderson said the foundation's members are former residents of Mocho who migrated years ago, but remain in touch with the area, and are determined to continue assisting the needy children in the community.

"Today, we are distributing school supplies, food and clothes," said Anderson.

Satisfied

He was supported by former member of the United States Air Force and decorated Vietnam veteran, Astley McLean, who expressed satisfaction in being part of the Foundation.

"I have done a lot of good things and also a lot of bad things in my life, but today is the best day of my life. I feel so gratified to see these kids enjoying themselves," stated McLean.

Last Thursday, members of the Foundation distributed groceries and cash to some families in Mocho with a promise that they will be given further assistance over the next three months.

President of the foundation, Calvin 'Cal' Allison, expressed a desire to see more Jamaicans giving back to their communities.

"If more Jamaicans who are living abroad would give back something to their community, Jamaica would be a better place for all of us. I hope one day these same kids at adulthood would do the same for the next generation of kids," said Allison.