Over 100 children from the Windsor Park neighbourhood playground celebrated Christmas with students from the International College of the Cayman Islands and Triple C School on 15 December.

The air was filled with laughter and merry as students and teachers from the International College and Triple C handed out gifts to children from the neighbourhood. Numerous children from families connected to both the college and the high school were able to join in the fun with the Windsor Park community.

A highlight of the party was Santa Claus’ special visit to the children. Santa told them about the North Pole, the reindeer, Mrs. Claus’s cookies and funny things that elves say to each other.

“All of these children are all on the nice list,” says Santa Claus, who also teaches at the International College when he isn’t at the North Pole. “It is a surprising thing that there are no naughty ones here at all. Some of them have had a few naughty days, but overall I think they are all doing really well. Their lists are all being sent to me and I think they are all very hopeful and they should be.”

The tremendous number of gifts was a collaboration of a toy drive between the International College and Triple C with drop boxes at their campuses as well as Books & Books, Texaco station on Walkers Road, The Ritz Carlton and the Marriott Hotel.

The Cayman Islands Baptist Church made a huge contribution to the toy drive and United Democratic Party provided hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks for the event.

Multitudes of children had their faces painted. A local pastor brought out his guitar to play Christmas songs. Numerous children and their families also received gift certificates in a free raffle give away.

Neighbourhood beat officer for the Windsor Park area, Constable Emrol Smith, provided security for the event as well as a friendly face of the Royal Cayman islands Police Service. He was also instrumental in organising a drop box for the toy drive at the Texaco Station on Walkers Road.

“It felt good to be a part of such a well organised and happy event,” said Constable Smith. “And to see the approach by the college and the high school in letting the children and their families in this community know that they are not alone.

International College Provost Anthony Husemann said it was wonderful to see so many different organizations come together for the benefit of helping children celebrate Christmas.

“So many students, teachers, administrators from the both the college and the high school came out today to volunteer their time to pull off this Christmas party in such a tremendous way,” says Dr. Husemann. “I especially want to commend International College students Erlin Scott and Jesse Coe who came out here to help and International College president, Dr. Tasha Ebanks Garcia and all the kids and teachers at Triple C. It is seeing all the smiles and laughter on these children’s faces and the faces of their parents that makes all the hard work worth it.”

Triple C School principal Mable Richardson was out in the forefront in handing out gifts to children.

“Our student council collected gifts from each of the classrooms and wrapped gifts,” says Mrs. Richardson. “The parents gave donations for gifts and food vouchers to help with the gathering.”

Mrs. Richardson added, “People were really happy at this party. The food was great. The music was marvellous. There were Christmas carols. We did a Christmas story so they understand that Jesus is the reason for the season.”

Community development officer Dorline Welcome said that it is events organised by private groups like these that can play a big part in bringing a community in need together. It is common at special events in the community for parents or other family members to get up the courage to seek out information on services from private and governmental organisations.

“I really want to encourage people that if they want to help, get out of their offices and go out into the community and encourage families,” said Mrs. Welcome. “And if you need help in reaching out to these communities, contact me at the Department of Children and Family Services.”