Leon Bailey among donors for St Andrew NC back-to-school treats

JAMAICAN international footballer Leon Bailey is among a number of individuals and private sector interests supporting a series of more than a dozen back-to-school treats across St Andrew North Central, through a coordinated effort led by Member of Parliament Delano Seiveright. More than 1,500 children are expected to benefit from the treats which have already been held on Mannings Hill Road, Donmair/Common, Cassava Piece and Long Lane, with more scheduled across the constituency through the end of August and into early September. Other treats are scheduled for Cameron Lane, Park Lane, 85 Red Hills Road, Boonan Gully, Lady Huggins, Mason Bush, 100 Lane, Shortwood Avenue, and Miller Heights/Ward Lane.

Bailey supported the Cassava Piece back-to-school treat, undertaken in partnership with the Cassava Piece Youth Upliftment Group and community volunteers. According to Seiveright, he has been working with several new community groups while reaching out to business interests to mobilise school supplies, refreshments and other assistance for children. Elizabeth Scott (left) and Joline White embracing the occasion at one of the St Andrew North Central back-to-school treats.

Seiveright told the Jamaica Observer that the treats are deliberately being spread across communities rather than concentrated in a single major event, allowing local groups to take the lead in shaping activities for their children. The treats combine school supplies and educational support with food, refreshments, entertainment and family activities, while providing an opportunity for residents, volunteers, businesses and other stakeholders to work together. In Donmair/Common, where children and families gathered at Common Sense Square on Saturday, community leader Shenae Fisher said the initiative was warmly received.

“The children and parents were genuinely excited. Back-to-school can be challenging for families, so this provided practical support while bringing the community together around our children. It lets them know that their community is behind them,” Fisher said.

The Donmair/Common activity was undertaken in partnership with the Donmair/Common Upliftment Youth Club, working alongside residents and supporters. From left: Charmanique Hinds, Summer Stone, Michka Daley, and Britany Coubry of the Cassava Piece Youth Upliftment group, showing some of the backpacks which were gifted to ch…