Bobette Morgan: I'm passionate about seeing to the well-being of the less fortunate. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

FOR YEARS, Bobette Morgan has been a beacon of hope in the community of Monza, Greater Portmore, where she still resides.

Originally from Manchester, Morgan, a former first vice-president of the Monza Citizens' Association, worked assiduously to see improvements in the lives of fellow residents. Fund-raising is one of her responsibilities in the citizens' association. She was instrumental in the preparation of profiles in order to facilitate the construction of a park and for the enhancement of the Monza community entrance.

Morgan also spearheaded other fund-raising events which led to the hosting of treats, health fairs and other social activities. At present, she serves as the association's public relations officer.

"I'm very passionate about seeing to the well-being of the less fortunate. I love people, especially children," Morgan told The Gleaner recently.

"Community service is in my blood. I love to care for people and I grew up with a mother who was a volunteer and who encouraged me to give of myself. My two children have learned to cope with me. They understand my need to do what I do."

Early start

Morgan's lengthy community service started way back in 1983 as a teenager in Manchester. She was part of a police youth club in that parish, where she and other young people visited the Windsor Lodge Children's Home in the parish, combed wards' hair and brought them gifts and food items. Her community service continued at the Optimist Club of North Portmore, which she joined in 1996.

The veteran volunteer is currently coordinator for youth activities for the club. She is a past double distinguished president, distinguished lieutenant governor of the Caribbean District of Optimist International and has coordinated various projects that have touched the lives of many, both young and old.

Morgan was instrumental in the building of the Dunbeholden Basic School, located in a small community on the outskirts of Greater Portmore en route to Spanish Town. She was also actively involved in the staging of health fairs in Waterford, Port Henderson Road (Back Road), and Dunbeholden, as well as Jerusalem Children's Home in Spanish Town and Glen Hope Place of Safety in St Andrew.

Great camp

One of Morgan's most successful projects was the hosting of a children's summer camp at Independence City Primary School in August, where scores of kids were treated to lectures, counselling, art and craft, music, dancing, social etiquette and grooming, personal-safety tips and games. They also received back-to-school supplies during the four-day event.

Morgan has bemoaned the effects of the global economic downturn, which has sapped the desire of many persons and companies to donate to charitable causes.

"Volunteerism is not dying, but it is much harder these days to get sponsorship to carry out projects, which is quite frustrating. To get things done, you have to be constantly dipping into your pocket," she commented.

Morgan is an inspector of police and subofficer in charge of the police support branch with responsibility for motorised patrol, traffic, canine, ports division, marine division and mounted troop. She spent four years at the Police Community Relations, which was later changed to Community Safety and Security Department. At this department, she played a major role in the planning and hosting of Christmas treats for children in the Corporate Area.

Morgan's work has not gone unnoticed. In October, she was honoured by the Portmore Municipal Council at its annual National Heroes Day function for community involvement. Also in 2008, she was recognised for her contribution to the development of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and was awarded for long service and good conduct.

anthony.minott@gleanerjm.com