ST. JAMES, Jamaica
On Sunday, April 19, the Community Services Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Glendevon, hosted a meaningful and impactful “Closet Day,” extending practical care and Christian love to members of the surrounding communities. The initiative provided free clothing, shoes, toiletries, food packages, spiritual literature, and other essential items to individuals and families in need.
The initiative reflected the church's mission to serve not only within the walls of worship but also within the heart of the community. The church hall was transformed into an organized distribution space, with tables carefully arranged with school items, baby supplies, and various donated goods. Community members selected items that met their specific needs, while volunteers worked diligently to assist, pack, and distribute the donations. Venis Erskine-Kerr, Assistant Community Services Director, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the drive.
“We had people who came to us from varying communities," she noted. "We had some coming from Westmoreland; one woman collected large bags of items for members of her community. Most of the people there lost their homes, which were damaged by Hurricane Melissa, and they are still trying to rebuild. We ensured that they got a full supply of items so that they can assist those in their neighborhood.”
Venis Erskine-Kerr, Assistant Community Services Director at the Glendevon Seventh-day Adventist Church, presents a young resident with items during the church’s "Closet Day". :: Photo credit: Contributed
One highlight of the event was the spirit of compassion and dignity shown to all attendees. Volunteers assisted recipients with sorting garments and helping them find suitable items for their families. The distribution of spiritual books also reinforced the church’s commitment to meeting both physical and spiritual needs. According to the final report submitted by the Community Services Director, Sister Janet Reid-Moore, “a total of 40 persons were served, including individuals from as far as Darliston, Westmoreland."
The day’s distribution included:
● 1,582 pieces of clothing and 85 pairs of shoes
● 156 toiletries and 61 packs of diapers
● 46 packs of sanitary napkins and 24 food packages
● 21 spiritual books, including The Great Controversy, Steps to Christ, and Last Day
Events
● Additional items, including towels, bedding, toys, and healthcare supplies
The "Closet Day" was made possible through the generosity of church members and friends. Special appreciation was extended to the Community Services leaders in charge, Janet Reid-Moore, Jacqueline Jackson, and Venis Erskine-Kerr, along with a committed team of volunteers including Vivia Robinson, Shananka Bradly, Maudrian Bernard, Karen Spence-Bernard, Tereta Cummings, Gladstone Dobbs and Osbourne Foster. The Glendevon SDA Church Community Services Department continues to demonstrate the
love of Christ through active service.