Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

Gleaner reporter Yahneake Sterling (right) presents $5,000 to Olive Johnson on behalf of a member of the Jamaican diaspora in New York. Johnson, who resides in Tamarind Tree, St. Andrew, lost most of her possessions during the recent passage of Hurricane Dean. - Photo by Nashauna Drummond

IT WAS a grateful Olive Johnson who came to The Gleaner's North Street, central Kingston, offices on Friday, to collect a small donation to purchase groceries for her family.

The donation came from a member of the Jamaican diaspora.

Johnson, her children Sarah (six), Deborah (10), Isaiah (12), Tamika (16), Adrian (18) and granddaughter Tamara (one) lost most of their possessions to Hurricane Dean's fury.

Among the items lost were schoolbooks, bags, uniforms, clothing and their roof, while other property suffered great damage.

When the story outlining their plight appeared in The Gleaner on Tuesday, August 21, Jamaicans at home and abroad, as well as non-nationals, opened their hearts and purses and pledged assistance to the family.

Persons from Germany, Canada and the United States emailed The Gleaner enquiring how they could assist.

"Thank you all so much for helping us to recover. God bless you all," said a smiling Johnson.

So far, the pledges have come in for new schoolbooks, shoes, uniforms and other items of clothing.

yahneake.sterling@gleanerjm.com