Beeston Spring Residents Uplifted by Pollyanna Project

Gratitude filled the air in Beeston Spring, Westmoreland, on Saturday (January 31) as scores of residents received food, clothing and other essential supplies during an outreach activity hosted by New York-based charity Pollyanna Project.

The grounds of the Beeston Spring Apostolic Church of God buzzed with activity as families moved from table to table selecting items with the assistance of volunteers.

Children laughed and played nearby, many clutching new clothes and care packages, a welcome moment of relief for a community still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.

Director of the Pollyanna Project, Jahleel Stewart, in his remarks to the residents, outlined that the extent of the damage he observed on entering the community reinforced why the group felt compelled to assist.

“When I was taking my trip here and I looked out the windows. I could see houses with no roofs, [parts of] buildings scattered across fields, and I feel like this is what people need to see to understand why we do things like this,” he said.

Mr. Stewart noted that the day’s activities aimed to support families, particularly children.

“As you can see, we have many things prepared here – food, clothing, and all types of stuff that people can use to help themselves rebuild after the hurricane,” he said.

President of the Beeston Spring Community Development Committee, Astil Gage, noted that the storm left widespread destruction across the district.

“We are really happy today for the Pollyanna Project coming within our community. [Most] of the board houses were totally destroyed, furniture was destroyed, clothes were destroyed… and the way forward is to continue to help us as we rebuild and build a better community,” he noted.

Residents said the day meant more than just receiving supplies; it restored morale.

“It’s good to have the team here in our community giving back. As you know, Hurricane Melissa has done severe damage to us here and seeing the kids coming out and having fun getting stuff, it’s a good feeling,” Mikada Brown told JIS News.

“[The children] look happy; they’re playing. Yes, I’d like to say thank you to the Pollyanna Project for coming out and giving back to our community,” she said.

Events Coordinator at the Beeston Spring Apostolic Church of God, Teenah Jamieson, expressed gratitude to the charity, which she noted, had reached out in the aftermath of the storm and followed through with the pledge of support.

“These persons smiled on us. They reached out… asked how they can help… and today it all came to reality,” she said.

“When I came in from the back door, I thought I was entering Disney World. It was so beautiful. It brings a light back into Beeston Springs,” she added.

Ms. Jamieson welcomed the manner in which the event was conducted to preserve residents’ dignity.

“Families, children, everybody… come in to get what they wanted and… they were presented with a gift; nothing was thrown at them. We appreciate you. God bless you,” she expressed.

Beyond distributing food and clothing, the outreach also supported education recovery.

Through sponsorship from BAC Construction, tarpaulins were donated to the Beeston Spring Basic School, which lost its roof during the hurricane, providing temporary protection while permanent repairs are pursued.

Owner of BAC Construction, Craig Baker, said his contribution to the cause was deeply personal. He noted that he did not have much growing up and he understood what the residents are going through.

Mr. Baker said that the provision of the trap will ensure that classes can be held, noting that the space can also be used for worship.

For many families, the day served as a reminder that even after storm clouds clear, support continues to arrive, sometimes from thousands of miles away, bringing comfort, dignity and renewed hope.