This Christmas, like every Christmas I can remember, I had the pleasure of working side-by side my mother in a wonderful initiative that helps to feed needy families and seniors over the holiday season.

This charity, known as “All God’s Children” was started by my mother, Beverly-Ann Taylor twenty years ago to help the needy and for the past ten years, they’ve been sponsored by the generosity of Dunkley’s Dairy to donate amazing food hampers to the needy.

When Deputy Premier, Michael Dunkley of Dunkley’s Dairy learned of my mother’s work years ago, he generously stepped in to donate the food needed for the hampers and every year he takes time out from his busy schedule to lift heavy boxes during the deliveries.

Even though this year he was off the island, his brother Steven Dunkley stepped in to help.

He shared with me that Dunkley’s giving began with his father who used to box food and give to the less fortunate back in the 1970’s. Mr Dunkley believes that every business should give back to the society where they run their business.

He promises that: “They’ll always give back to those who need it the most.”

As I was helping my mother and others load boxes that included expensive food items such as hams, turkeys, dozens of eggs, fresh juices, potatoes, vegetables, milk (of course) chocolate and low fat, the famous egg nog, cookies, yogurts, soda, cheese, frozen family size pies for baking, butter.

It felt amazing to be part of such a special project and to have such an impact on other people’s lives.

When I dropped off the hampers I felt like Santa. It was exciting to see the smiles on the kid’s faces and to watch them search through the boxes.

One mother of three had recently lost her job, and when she came for the hamper tears were coming to her eyes.

She thanked us and said: “This really helps.”

It was a huge eye-opener how some people have so many struggles and things we take for granted other people cherish. Due to the current economic situation on the island the number of families seeking help has increased.

My mother has been honored in the House of Assembly for her contribution and I hope that one day I can follow in her footsteps to keep the tradition of “giving back” alive.