Michael McLean, Gleaner Writer

Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth

The true spirit of Christmas is all about giving and sharing and that's what the Salvation Army did recently when its members treated over 100 mental health patients to an early Christmas dinner at the Santa Cruz Health Centre in St Elizabeth.

The mental health patients, who all seemed happy for the meals, were treated to rice and peas and chicken, drinks, ice cream and cake.

Captain Raymon Sil Pierre said every Christmas they travel around the island having treats and share with the less fortunate.

"Today's activity is part of the Salvation Army's work in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica, and we are always on the road doing the work of feeding people and caring for the less fortunate, but not everywhere. We are making it our duty this year to be more active in St. Elizabeth," Captain Pierre said.

The Captain, a Haitian who has been working in Jamaica for the past three years and who is commanding officer for the Mountainside church, said they will continue sharing the Christmas cheers on January 3 with a treat at the Santa Cruz Infirmary.

Plans for an annual event

He said they planned to make it an annual event.

Karen Elliott, mental health nurse practitioner at the health centre, was quite happy with the Salvation Army coming at short notice.

"Having the Salvation Army team with us today is a splendid occasion, we really appreciate their coming at the last minute, and it's a worthwhile venture and I am sure they are making a lot of lives happy," Nurse Elliott said.

Public relations manager at Alpart (one of the sponsors), Lance Neita, praised the Salvation Army for the wonderful work they have been doing across the parish.

"It was certainly a pleasure and golden opportunity to share with the patients attending the clinic and to participate with the Salvation Army in their Christmas treat," Mr. Neita said.

"We have long respected the Salvation Army and we also understand, support and share the concern of all those who are not having as bright a Christmas as others may be having, so this is a good chance for Alpart to spread the joy and comfort it can at this time of the year, " Mr. Neita said.