HELLO MI neighbour! 'Affectionate physical contacts are meaningful at all ages. For children who cannot understand words, cuddling serves as a strong means of communication. The gentle body-to-body contact tells the child that he/she is special.'

Truth be told, we are all special - whether we feel so or not. This means that there is a lot going for us. People study medicine, engineering and other sciences so that you can have a better life. Many of the services and activities in which people are presently engaged are just for you. Wake up! You are special! ... And it was a delight to see Sherice at that funeral last Sunday - she looked special! Pardon this little interjection, readers.

People will swim the widest ocean or climb the highest mountain for your benefit. If you are a thief, murderer, adulterer, prostitute, liar or whatever, as we speak there are many people who are praying for you. They believe that with some adjustment to your behaviour, you can add value to your society. Human beings are the most intelligent creatures on the earth. They make things happen. All the riches of the earth cannot add up to the value of a single, simple, sinful soul. We are special!

Vision of the 'specialness'

Founder of the Missionaries of the Poor, Father Richard Ho Lung, and his friends have caught the vision of the 'specialness' and value of especially the poor. For 41 years, this vision has motivated them to stage theatrical productions to raise funds for the poor and destitute in this country - let's all play our part in this effort by supporting their latest production, The Messiah, which takes place at the National Arena on September 29 and 30 and again on October 6 and 7. This event promises special effects like Jamaica has never seen before.

In the same breath, the Webster Memorial United Church will be staging its Harvest Extravaganza September 23-29, during which congregants will share their gifts and resources with the needy. This also is in recognition of the 'specialness' of people.

According to team leader Elaine Commissiong, the week kicks off with a special time of thanksgiving and praise for God's blessings and the opportunity to serve especially the needy. And so, on Tuesday, September 25 there will be a 'Special Treats Day'. The seniors from the community, as well as selected homeless persons, will be offered free personal services such as manicure, pedicure, hairstyling, facial, body detoxification and reflexology, etc. Then on Wednesday, September 26, called 'Education Day', educators from the church will visit schools to share their skills and give career talks. Wow! How special!

September 27 will be 'Medical Assistance Day' featuring several health-related services for those special persons who cannot afford these services. Saturday, September 29, called 'Building and Construction Day' will see builders from the church refurbishing a school in the community, which is badly in need of repairs.

Come Jamaica, let's play our part in maintaining the specialness of humanity. You are special - live it!

Karen, St Catherine, for offering grade-seven books.

Neighbour, St Andrew, for back-to-school books.

Mrs Chambers, St Andrew, for offering a refrigerator to a needy neighbour.

Sis Mitchell, St Ann, for financial contribution.

Winett, St Catherine, for offering adult diapers to Mr Brown, Kingston.

Opportunities to help

Neighbour, Clarendon, high-school student needs a sewing machine to help generate an income to send her siblings to school.

Neighbour, St Ann, single mother of three, needs size-seven black shoes for girls … food also.

Joan, St Andrew, mother of three - unemployed - needs sewing machine to help make a living.

Neighbour, St Catherine, needs a crib for a newborn.

Mrs Dunett, St Thomas, unemployed - needs sewing machine.

Sharon, St Ann, asking for wheelchair and diapers for grandmother.