Children Of Jamaica Outreach donates to Windsor Lodge

Published: Monday | May 23, 2011

Gary Williams

Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer

WILLIAMSFIELD, Manchester:

THE WELFARE of children has been a topical issue for many years, with persons, such as the now-retired children's advocate Mary Clarke, championing their cause.

However, while some institutions have been slow in making meaningful contribution to provide a better living and social environment for the nation's less fortunate children, one private organisation has been doing its part.

Children Of Jamaica Outreach (COJO), a New York-based non-profit organisation, founded by Jamaica-born Gary Williams in 1994, has been making the lives of hundreds of Jamaican children better by providing them with clothing and equipment.

Partnering with the Child Development Agency (CDA), COJO last Wednesday, handed over five computers, two flat-screen televisions, one double-door refrigerator with ice maker, backpacks, dozens of shoes, sneakers and other items - all new, to the Windsor Lodge Children's Home in Williamsfield.

Williams and his team of other Jamaicans residing in the New York area told The Gleaner they are merely trying to give back to their country, adding that they chose to work with children in homes of safety, in order to give them the opportunity to reach their potential as good and productive citizens. Children, he said, remain our "greatest asset and must be provided with services that will improve their conditions".

Gary Bowen of the CDA, in thanking the members of COJO, said, he, as well as the members of the Windsor Lodge home, appreciated the fact that COJO always "gives quality items", which serve the children and institutions well.

Windsor Lodge is operated by the Salvation Army and houses 65 children up to age 18 years.

rural@gleanerjm.com