The Sandals Foundation launched its toy drive in October of this year, with the aim of attracting donations via the Sandals Foundation’s website. Hasbro, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of toys, came on board for a second year, donating 10,000 toys to the Sandals Foundation while Sandals Resorts International contributed to the toy drive by matching monetary contributions.
 

The toys were distributed at 60 Christmas treats across the Caribbean many of which took place at children’s homes, and early childhood and primary schools in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 600 recipients in Antigua included Willikies, Cedar Grove, Pares and Villa Primary schools’, the Salvation Army, the Mount St. John’s Medical Center, the Holberton Care Project, the Boys Training School, the Good Shepherd Home and the Child and Family Guidance Center. 
 

Villa Primary School Principal Bernadette Jarvis is thrilled that so many kids were embraced this holiday season. “We know that this is a tough time of year for many families so the fact that all of our students were able to get a Christmas treat this year is very meaningful,” commented Mrs. Jarvis. 
 

Each year, the Sandals Foundation spearheads a holiday toy drive, which is open to donations from persons living overseas – including but not limited to travel and industry partners – and team members. The annual toy drive is one of many Sandals Foundation programmes in effect throughout the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation also hosted other treats such as luncheons for senior citizens at the St. James Infirmary and the Flanker Peace and Justice Centre in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
 

In addition, in keeping with the spirit of giving during the holidays, scores of people are also expected to benefit from recent Sandals Foundation donations, which include the distribution of baby supplies to the PACE Foundation for teenage mothers in Nassau, Bahamas. In Jamaica, the Sandals Foundation also donated curtains and a washing machine to the St. Ann Infirmary, a printer to Parry Town Primary School and the Eltham Community Centre received a fresh coat of paint just in time for the holiday season.
 

 “We are truly grateful for our partners who help us to make a positive difference in people’s lives, as they generously help us to bring smiles to the faces of children in the Caribbean,” said Heidi Clarke, director of programmes for the Sandals Foundation. “The support from our corporate partners and our many team members goes a long way to create opportunities for our children and bring joy to many communities.”