"I like this treat as it makes me feel special each time Christmas comes around. They really give me all the nice things, like toys and so forth," Thompson said.

He was not alone as more than 200 children were in attendance at the St Helen's Church Hall in St Catherine.

It was a labour of love for the volunteers who took time to serve, sing with and care for the children who were brought in from several communities around Linstead.

"It is in the 10th year, although I have only been involved for the last three years. It feels very good to know that you are giving back to the less fortunate among us," Ruby Tenn, a committee member, said.

Songs and poems

"We get help from businesses around the area, and also the police who help to make the work easier in caring for the children," Devon Smith said.

During the day's activities, the children entertained themselves with a number of songs and poems and also skits depicting the goodwill of the festive season.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com