Scores of Children Receive School Supplies from Alleluia Ministries International

More than 120 children received school supplies and free dental counselling at the fourth annual Back-to-School Outreach, hosted by Alleluia Ministries International (AMI) on August 16, at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St. James.

The initiative, which surpassed its initial target of 100 beneficiaries, provided students with books, school bags containing school items, along with access to dental information, reading activities, and fun entertainment.

Speaking with JIS News, Minister at AMI Montego Bay, Nichole Chattoo, said the outreach forms part of the church’s mission to extend love and compassion to the community in practical ways.

“Our goal really was to assist. Each child needs a backpack, books, and even free dental services. We wanted to ensure that every child who came today left with what they need, and we are grateful that we achieved that,” she explained.

She noted that the happiness on the faces of the children was evidence of the day’s success.

“The joy that we saw on the faces of the kids saying, ‘Oh yes, I want this bag, I love this bag’. Even when they were going home, they were just, ‘Oh wow, it was a good day, I enjoyed it’. The dance, everything – that showed the impact,” Ms. Chattoo shared.

The outreach, she pointed out, was more than a church initiative, but an expression of community building.

“And so, in doing that, it’s not really looking at [it] as a church initiative; it’s really just a community spirit and helping those who are in need. And that’s why we are here. Who knows, you could be helping the next Prime Minister,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ms. Chattoo said the Ministry plans to expand the initiative in 2026.

“Next year will be bigger and better. We are aiming for more sponsors, more beneficiaries, and to take this directly into communities. Excellence is what we strive for in everything we do,” she said.

Dental counselling was provided through a partnership with No Limits Dental Suite, led by Dental Surgeon, Dr. Italia Freckleton-Jaggon.

“We are under the umbrella of AMI doing dental outreach, such as counselling and oral hygiene instructions; teaching children how to brush, floss, and take care of their mouths,” Dr. Freckleton-Jaggon said.

Dr. Freckleton-Jaggon said the decision to participate was rooted in love for community.

“As God’s children, our mandate is to go out and share. It’s important for persons to know that we care and that we are here to help. The response has been warm and welcoming; we’ve seen about 50 people,” she added.

She noted that dental students also assisted, and children received tokens such as toothbrushes and other items.

Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support and show of kindness.

Gabrielle White, a student of St. James High, said she was grateful to receive a bag with school supplies, noting that many children need assistance to prepare for the new school year. She described the initiative as a blessing for students like herself.

“I really appreciate this, to be honest, because there are some children that don’t have school supplies… . I got a bag and there’s some supplies in there. I’m sure it is going to benefit me at school,” she said.

Dwight Brown of Glendevon noted that the assistance was timely and much-needed. He said the bag and books he received for his son would ease some of the financial pressures that come with preparing for the new school year.

“It’s a good move, and I would love to see more of this happening,” Mr. Brown said.

Another beneficiary, Jessica Olivia Salmon, was visibly emotional as she explained that she had been worried about how she would afford a school bag for her child.

She expressed deep gratitude for the support and said she felt the love of God through the outreach.

“Mi up a mi yard and mi a fret bout the [school] bag and you guys provide it and you do it with a good heart…,” she said.

Sponsors also underscored the importance of giving back.

Kemantha Service-Gray, a proud supporter of the outreach, said the initiative reflected the church’s commitment to catering to the needs of the community.

She explained that the Ministry, which regularly undertakes similar charitable efforts, is guided by the biblical principle of caring for the poor and needy.

“As the Bible says, little is much when God is in it, and we are so grateful. We have to imitate Christ. Same as how Christ catered for the poor and the needy, so shall we,” she affirmed.