DCFS gets much needed help

(CNS): Although times are very hard for many families in Cayman at the moment local firms and service clubs have been stepping up to the plate to help out when families face the extra expense of ‘back-to-school’. Campbells Attorneys-at-Law donated CI$2000 recently to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for school uniforms, the Business and Professional Women’s donated school supplies and the Lions club also handed over a cheque for $888.

J. Ross McDonough a partner as Campbells told DCFS Director Deanna Look Loy that the company was keen to assist children for they are the future of the Cayman Islands and that uniforms are critical to maintaining standards, instilling discipline and building self-esteem.

“We do not want any child to feel left out; everyone wants to look and feel the same as their peers as they go back to school,” McDonough said.

Look Loy noted that 617 clients had needed uniforms at the start of the school year. She said that it cost some CI$80 to provide one full outfit (including shoes) for one child.

“Most students are required to have more than one uniform, but we do what we can. We are grateful for the companies and the citizens who have assisted; they have enabled us to provide for more children,” she said.

The latest donation from the Lions Club will also go towards uniforms. Lion Ian Callow said as part of the clubs outreach the Lions were pleased to assist, “especially in these tough economic times,” he said.

Two local women’s clubs recently came together to make back-to-school brighter for children.

The Business and Professional Women’s(BPW), and the Young Business and Professional Women’s (YBPW)  have also donated school supplies and BPW President Velma Powery-Hewitt said in the economic downturn professional organisations and clubs have to increase their help efforts. 

“There are many children in our community who need equipment for learning, and we feel that we have a responsibility to respond in these difficult times,” she said.

 YBPW Club Chairman Tulsi Bodden said the clubs held a fundraiser at Foster’s Food Fair at the Strand.  “Donations came from Cayman Shoe Shop, the Phoenix Group, the Security Centre Limited staff, First Caribbean Bank, and children who attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” she said.

Look Loy thanked the membership of both clubs for their interest in and compassion for Cayman’s children.

“Your giving is welcome, particularly during this time of economic uncertainty,” she said, adding that the supplies will be divided equally among children in all six districts. She also explained that monetary donations go directly into the DCFS’ Lifeline Fund to help the students.