I hope everyone is eagerly looking forward to the Jamaica Feast in just 44 days! While we prepare for the upcoming fall Holy Day season, let’s set aside some time to share our abundance with our Jamaican brethren, especially this year when so many have been laid off due to the restrictions on tourists visiting the island.

Families Helping Families was designed to help local brethren with donated items and financial assistance. Using this program is a perfect opportunity to follow Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Any money donated will be credited to the Jamaican congregations’ accounts. Checks may be made out to UCG CARIBBEAN. Cash can be given to the Business Office (open before and after services most days during the Feast, except on Holy Days).

If you are interested in volunteering your time to help organize items donated at the Feast, please let me know at alisa_lockhart@ucg.org.

If you are interested in donating items, needed items are listed below. If you have extra space in your luggage, please bring what you are able. Please note that anything donated will be gladly accepted! 

Specific Requests This Year:

• Men’s size 9 1/2 W (wide) width shoes black
• Men’s brown shorts like the ones in tennis (waist 30-32)
• School supplies (notebooks etc); especially school bags/backpacks
• Crochet threads, wool, and knitting needles
• Children’s Clothes (a list of ages is below)
• Cell phones/smart phones/laptops
• Stationery items – note taking for adults
• Vitamins
• Miniature hand sanitizers (travel size)
• Toiletries – deodorant, soap, toothpaste
• Solid color men’s ties
• Suit bag/garment bag
• Suitcase

Here are some more suggestions:

Technology: Many Jamaicans are joining the “Work From Home” club and also more schools are requiring computers for both onsite and online classes.    Used laptops, chromebooks, smart phones, calculators, other electronics are highly valued. 

Bags: Suitcases, computer bags and backpacks are also very popular.

Clothing: Outer garments can be cheap and reused for years, but inner garments are more difficult to come by. Having undergarments that are clean and that fit help tremendously with confidence, modesty, and hygiene.

Socks, men’s/women’s/children’s underwear, undershirts, bras, sanitary items, baby diapers, swimsuits, etc. Men’s/women’s/children’s shoes, men’s pants and dress shirts, work-appropriate clothing (like black or Khaki pants), boots, and other lightweight clothing.

We have the following children in our congregations:

Girls Ages: 17 (2), 15 (2), 14, 12, 11, 10 (2), 9, 7, 6, 2

Boys Ages: 18, 14, 12, 10, 9, 8, 3, 2

School/office supplies: Basic supplies cost extra money for students and family businesses. Also, gently used or new Bibles are needed for brethren and the community.

Legal pads, notebooks, pens, pencils, staplers, tape, folders, scissors, printer paper, Ziploc bags, backpacks, inexpensive reading glasses with cases, coloring materials (crayons may melt), work bags, gently used small suitcases or duffel bags, etc.

Food: The best options are dry food items which can be prepared by adding water and/or local produce. Please refrain from bringing canned food. Also, please check all labels to avoid any unclean ingredients.

• Vitamins (Emergen-C and others)
• Nut and trail mixes, dried fruits, freeze-dried backpacking meals
• Nut butters/peanut butters (powdered or little pouches), crackers/ chips, dry snacks
• Unleavened bread (matzos, rye krisp, etc.)
• Pastas, rice, dried potatoes, dried beans, meal mixes
• Shelf stable protein (like jerky), pouches of tuna, protein powder/bars
• Infant Formula (powdered), powdered milk
• Hot and cold breakfast cereals, oatmeal packets, cereal bars, granola
• Peanut and Crispy M&M's
• Nestle' Crunch caramel
• Oatmeal cookies Keebler
• Chocolate chip cookies chunky

Feast Gifts:  It’s always special to bring a few Feast gifts for the children and adults.

Small toys or stuffed animals, activity books, candy/snacks, stickers

Bible-themed activity books, Bibles, calendars, notecards, bookmarks, kitchen items (tea towels/potholders), chocolate, etc.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email.

Thank you again for your generosity and love. 

Jeff Lockhart