Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

OCHO RIOS, St Ann:WIDOW'S MITE, a residential home for abandoned children with disabilities, operated by Mustard Seed Communities and located in Murray Mountain, St Ann, is once again the focus of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce this Christmas season.

Each year, at this time, the chamber holds a reception to raise funds and gifts for children at the facility, built to accommodate 20.

This year is no different. The reception was held last Saturday at Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios and dozens of members turned out for the occasion. Members were asked to bring grocery items and other gifts for the children and they duly obliged, with several tinned items and other stuff being donated.

"It was excellent. We had a good turnout and we hope to get some things for our charity, which is Widow's Mite in Murray Mountain, St Ann," Williams told The Gleaner.

The president said a presentation to Widow's Mite usually takes place in January.

"These are children who are in a bad state. The place is badly in need of help because these are kids who cannot help themselves, they need 24-hour care," Williams said.

Mustard Seed Communities began over 30 years ago as a home for abandoned children. Today, the organisation serves over 500 children and young adults across Jamaica with disabilities, HIV and pregnant teens and their babies. Mustard Seed has facilities under various names in five parishes.

rural@gleanerjm.com