Mark Linehan (standing at back), CEO Digicel Jamaica, and 'Santa Claus' pose with children at the Digicel property on Lady Musgrave Road, St Andrew, yesterday.- Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

FIVE DAYS before the traditional December 25 date, children from 70 children's homes across the island were treated to a merry and jolly Christmas at the Digicel Lady Musgrave Park in New Kingston.

The park was transformed into a Christmas village with Santa Claus, the Best Dressed Chicken mascot, clowns, storytelling by Amina Blackwood Meeks, track and field events, and celebrities to bring cheer to the hearts of children.

There were free rides, an abundance of food, including ice cream, and other delectable items.

some from westmoreland

Present were children from as far away as Westmoreland who were out to have as much fun as they possibly could.

Andrew Gallimore, a ward at the Clifton Boys' facility in Westmoreland, said they left from about 4 a.m. yesterday to reach the venue early.

He was unsure of the time they arrived but he said, "I am hoping to have fun and I am looking forward to the football games."

As Gallimore happily moved about the park in search of a football game, there were other children who were not choosy as to which ride or game they wanted to try; they simply wanted to have fun.

A hesitant Janiel Shearerof the Strathmore Home of Safety in Spanish Town, who sought cover behind one of her caregivers, said, "I love the fun!"

fun village

A happy and seemingly overactive Michael Sobers, who was very impatient with the questions posed to him by The Sunday Gleaner, revealed that he loved the bounce-about and that the village was fun.

The event, dubbed 'Project Extraordinary 2009', is the second of its kind put on by the company. Dolls, toy trucks, books and other educational material are distributed to the children.

Meanwhile, over in west Kingston, residents of Hannah Town and the police enjoyed a day of fun, celebrating the season of cheer and goodwill.

The Hannah Town police, in collaboration with the Kingston Western Safety and Security Division, fêted residents from several troubled communities in their division.

Children and the elderly enjoyed hot meals, snacks and other goodies laid out by the police. Books and pencils for the school term ahead were part of the gift packages.

Names changed on request.