"The newly formed Customs Staff Association walked through the communities and decided that we have to do something. As great as the needs are, the children were targeted," said Tamara Barrett-Newman, customer service manager.

"We wanted to reach out to the neighbours, so companies donated food, gift vouchers and some helped with cash and kind and we bought books and other school supplies."

Each child received a book bag with school supplies and a gift voucher to purchase books at either Sangster's Book Stores or Kingston Bookshop, Barrett-Newman added.

Charity spills over

She pointed out that Customs staff who purchased supplies for their own children had bought extra books so disadvantaged youths could benefit.

"This is a good treat because I have not bought anything yet for back-to-school and I have just received a little work and some of us parents would not have afforded to send our children to school when it reopens," said Veronica Marcia Jones from Little King Street.

Suzan McCarthy, another resident from one of the targeted communities, said, "Right now, mi a tell yuh di truth, a mi alone and no pickney fada and mi have four children so mi glad fi weh dem a do fi wi madas weh need it."

Roxane Gordon, a 14-year-old from Hannah Town, said, "The treat will provide more for parents who don't have it and this will help me to get better grades and achieve my goal of becoming a lawyer.

"I will study hard to further my education to become an air hostess or soldier, so I am happy for this back-to-school treat because I am able to get some supplies to help with what I already have," said Jeneve Pryce, 13.

'The treat will provide more for parents who don't have it and this will help me to get better grades and achieve my goal of becoming a lawyer.'