US-based Jamaican rewarded for helping children

It was Christmas 1994 when US-based Jamaican Donna Moore-Stewart decided to host a treat for children in Bodles Crescent, St Catherine, where she grew up.

Encouraged by her mother, who wanted to do something for needy families in the area, she and her sister pooled their funds to provide toys and other goodies for the children. Buoyed by the success and the support from the residents, Moore-Stewart decided to make the Christmas treat an annual undertaking. However, she decided to focus on providing the children with educational items, and so the Pollyanna Project was born.

Moore-Stewart, who is the founder and executive director, named the charity after her mother, who died six months after that first Christmas treat. Over the years, more than 15,000 children from various communities across St Catherine have benefited from donations such as laptops, school bags, uniforms and groceries.

On Monday, Moore-Stewart was presented with an award by the St Catherine Municipal Corporation for 30 years of invaluable contribution to community development. She was one of 12 persons honoured at the parish's annual National Heroes Day civic ceremony, held at Emancipation Square in Spanish Town.

The project has grown over the 30 years, reaching children beyond St Catherine and outside of the island.