Hi neighbour! Think I'd like to agree with the motivational preacher who said a few days ago on television that this recession which is causing so much depression is a great deception. I would add that this recession should not be seen as a recess from kindness but as fuel to fire the spirit of neighbourliness.

Many persons I know are using the current crisis as a source of motivation to share their substance with less-fortunate neighbours and continue to experience high levels of satisfaction. It gives me a good feeling!

As we fight this recession, I am pretty sure that we will come out winners. We will discover strengths we never knew existed before. We will develop rich relationships with total strangers. We will break down barriers and build bridges. I firmly believe that Jamaica (I can't speak for the world), according to Tony Rebel, will continue to be "a nice place to live" as we remain our brother's keepers.

With those who are still not yet motivated to share with their neighbours, especially the young ones, allow me to share a few tips. Every time you sit for a scrumptious meal, think about the child right here in Jamaica who doesn't even have a crumb. Every time you purchase your favourite magazine to keep up with current affairs, think about the child who doesn't have a pencil or an exercise book to go back to school.

Every time you take a vacation, think about a child who has not been to school for the past six months. Every time you go shopping, think about the child who has no shoes for school. Every time you have a drink, think about an infant that has no milk. The list could go on but if you think on these things you will become highly motivated to reach out to your neighbours. I speak from experience.

Luck or coincidence?

Here's a good story to help us process our thoughts. After Colinada, a mother of two, Burnt Savannah, St Elizabeth, gave her last dollar to a neighbour whose husband had died, Orlean of Southfield, St Elizabeth, a total stranger, heard about Colinada's need for help with back-to-school and gave khaki uniforms, other items and cash to purchase books for school. Was that luck, or coincidence? No! It's divine law at work. Give and it shall be given back to you.

Silton Townsend, author of Hello Mi Neighbour, is best known for his role as Maas Gussie in the once-aired local comedy 'Lime Tree Lane'.

Thank you neighbour

Many thanks to the following neighbours who helped last week.

1. Ruth, for donating a sewing machine to Hortense, St Catherine, to help with income generation.

2. Vivia (USA), for donating school supplies for back-to-school and clothing for babies.

3. Tommy Brown, St Andrew, for back-to-school supplies.

4. Cordette, St Catherine, for donating clothing to young adults.

5. Mr and Mrs Bailey, St Mary, for donation of sneakers, pens and pencils for school.

6. Veronica, for donating a refrigerator, bed linen and clothing to a needy neighbour.

7. Nickesha, Clarendon, for offering clothing for a seven-year-old girl and teenagers in Clarendon.

8. Kiwanis Club of Liguanea, for donation of clothing.

9. Hortense, for offering a mattress and clothing to Ms Donaldson.

10. Alicia, for offering a whatnot to a neighbour.

11. Gwendolyn, for offering textbooks and shoes to a young neighbour.

12. Norma, St Mary, for donating uniforms and shoes to a young neighbour.

To help, please call 906-3167, 884-3866 or 373-7745 or email neighbourtoo@yahoo.com and we will make the link-up. Those who desire to make financial donations to this project may make deposits to Acct # 351 044 276 at the National Commercial Bank. Bank routing ID: JNCBJMKX.

Help a neighbour

1. Irene, St Andrew, got burnt out last November and is seeking second-hand furniture from neighbours as she tries to rebuild her life.

2. Faithe, newly converted to Christianity, needs clothing for church. She is slim.

3.Carol, St Andrew, fire victim, is in need of a bed and dresser.

4. Shellane and her husband have lost their jobs and are asking neighbours for assistance with food for the children.

5. Carol, St Ann, a mother of four, is trying to register at HEART to help secure a future for her children but needs financial help.

6. Tom and his wife, both of St Andrew, have lost their jobs. Financial challenges are making it difficult to send their children to school.

7. Single mother, suffering from stroke. Asking neighbours for prayer and assistance with food for the three children.

8. Jasmin, St Catherine, a single mother of three, in need of a bed to assist with children's comfort.

9. Marie, St Catherine, a single mother of two, desires to pursue studies in practical nursing. Asking neighbours for financial help - she already has half of the tuition cost.

10. Ann Marie, a single mother of three, one of whom needs special education, wants assistance with his school fee - $5,500.