LUCEA, Hanover — About 120 children gathered in Johnson Town, Lucea, for Birdiebee’s Back-to-School Giveaway, an initiative conceived by community member Dwayne Daley to help families facing financial difficulties as they prepared for the new school year, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
The treat brought together community support and private-sector sponsorship, with Tryall among those contributing supplies for the children. Organisers had catered for approximately 150 children and estimated that about 120 attended the event.
Daley, popularly known as Birdiebee, is a music selector, recording artist and businessman. He said the initiative was something he had wanted to do for a long time but finally decided to pursue after recognising the difficulties many families were experiencing.
With some parents badly affected by the hurricane and struggling to afford the necessary school supplies, Daley felt compelled to intervene and assist as best he could.
“I just thought it was fit to just intervene and assist as best as possible,” he explained, describing the circumstances that prompted him to organise the giveaway.
The event featured cake, ice cream, drinks and packed school bags containing essential supplies, including pencils, rulers and books. The children also received other gifts, creating an atmosphere of celebration as they prepared to return to the classroom.
Tryall played a part in bringing the initiative to fruition after Nicole, a manager at the property, helped secure support from the team there.
Nicole identified three sponsors associated with Tryall: Marvin Riley, owner of Love and Livity Villa; Nancy Pinchas; and Andrew Johnson. She said they donated supplies that were distributed to the children.
She expressed satisfaction at being part of the initiative and noted that the event attracted children from beyond Johnson Town, including Elgin Town and other surrounding communities.
“We are happy to have them on board as well,” Nicole said, acknowledging the wider community participation.
She added that the organisers hoped to make the giveaway an annual event, while expressing gratitude to the sponsors, donors and everyone who assisted with the day’s activities.
For parents, however, the significance of the initiative extended beyond the food, gifts and school supplies.
Lisa, a Johnson Town resident who attended with her daughter Shelby Walker, said she was delighted to see children enjoying themselves while knowing that people cared about their welfare.
“It’s a joy seeing the kids here coming for their little treat. And, you know, knowing that someone cares for them,” she said.
Lisa explained that some children’s mothers were struggling financially and needed assistance. She expressed particular appreciation for the support given the effects of Hurricane Melissa on families in the community.
“Not everyone can see the poor,” she said, praising Daley for reaching out to the community and describing him as kind-hearted.
Her comments highlighted the challenges facing households still dealing with the hurricane’s impact while trying to meet the expenses associated with sending children back to school.
Daley said he hoped the initiative would grow in subsequent years, with the possibility of attracting even more sponsors and providing greater assistance to children.
He also welcomed the participation of people from outside Johnson Town, noting that the event had drawn interest beyond the immediate community.
The giveaway demonstrated how a local idea, supported by businesses, donors and volunteers, could bring together families from several surrounding communities around a shared purpose.
For the children, the day offered an opportunity to enjoy themselves and receive supplies ahead of the new school year. For their parents, it provided practical assistance at a time when household finances were under pressure.
And for Daley and the supporters who helped bring his idea to life, the hope is that Birdiebee’s Back-to-School Giveaway will become a lasting annual tradition in Johnson Town, giving more children a positive start to each school year.
