Pencils4Kids continues to support St Elizabeth school

US-based charity organisation Pencils4Kids will kick off its annual community outreach activity in Quickstep, St Elizabeth, at the Quickstep Primary School on Thursday.

With plans afoot to build a school library, a first for the institution and community, ground is to be broken by a group of local and international volunteers.

Randy Griffiths, founder of Pencils4Kids, told CENTRAL STAR, "Everybody will come together and finish up some painting at the school, install fans at the school, and lay the foundation for the library."

There will also be a mini clinic where the community will have an opportunity to do check-ups.

Griffiths said: "There will be eye exams for the elderly. Gift bags for the students filled with pencils, books and other essentials for school. The residents from the community as well as volunteers from other sections of the island and overseas will be here."

Principal of Quickstep Primary, Alicia Black, said that the contributions by Pencils4Kids have been vital.

Black said: "All we have to do is say and they do. Their contribution has spanned over five years, ranging from pencils, books and sports equipment for our children."

Black also pointed to safety and security areas where the charity organisation has been involved.

"During the rainy season, it would be slippery, and they paved an area where the children and teachers could walk. We also had a field that was rough and bumpy, they came and paved it and made it smooth enough for the kids. The perimeter fencing they started should be completed this year. There was also a year they painted inside and outside the school. Students who were awarded top placements in GSAT have also benefited from the charity organisation," Black told CENTRAL STAR.

The community is also set to benefit from a grand fundraising event on Saturday, which will culminate the outreach projects for the week.

The event, dubbed 'Where I'm From Charity Event' will be held at Quickstep Primary and feature live performances by Vershon, Little John and Yanique 'Di Curvy Diva'.