Valentine's Day is this Sunday, February 14, which means this week we will hold our annual Valentine's Day Sale for the two disabled children's homes in Jamaica. ALL proceeds will be sent directly to the homes to support these wonderful kids. Last year we raised $1,000 and $800 the year before.
For those who are new to our club, here is some background on the two homes:
- Blessed Assurance is a facility that is located on 5 acres outside Montego Bay in St. James. Mustard Seed Communities began in 1978 in the depressed community of Mona Common on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica. Mustard Seed began as a home for abandoned and disabled children and today serves over 500 children and young adults with disabilities, children who are HIV positive, pregnant teens and their babies. Mustard Seed has grown throughout Jamaica and in addition to Kingston has apostolates in St. Catherine, St. Andrew, St. Ann, and St. James (which is its Blessed Assurance location). It opened in early 2008 and in June of the same year, it was presented with six water tanks and a water pump valued at approximately $350,000 by the Rotary Club of Montego Bay. Since then the local Rotary club has continued to provide wheelchairs and other support. Over the past eleven years the Carrollton-Farmers Branch has donated funds, food and other supplies.
- West Haven Children’s Home: 80+ residents with profound handicaps ranging from cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, and mental retardation live in five cottages on this campus setting. Full time caregivers at West Haven provide all necessary care including physical therapy and education. The “children” now range from three to 30+ years old. The home is under the jurisdiction and is licensed by the Children’s Services Division, Ministry of Health. The on-going operational costs of the home are supported in part by maintenance funds from the Ministry, on Fit Persons Orders. The largest daily support comes from local and overseas individuals, businesses and groups. However, even with the current incoming funds, West Haven continues to find itself in debt on a monthly basis and is in great need of additional funding. Our club has supported the home with funds, food, and school supplies for eleven years.
Due to COVID, we are only doing a 1 week sale. Therefore, please call or text 972-955-9997 by Tuesday if you would like flowers. (These are from Costco with a 20% upcharge, which is donated to the homes.) Candy, cards and other items will be available on the table to make gift bags like last year. $5 Goody bags with snacks, Valentine's pencils etc with a "donation was made in your honor" letter will be also available. These are great for co-workers and friends.
