ORLANDO, FL – December 6, 2024 – The Jamaican American Association of Central Florida (JAAOCF) has continued its annual holiday tradition of donating gifts to Harbor House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. This year, the association collected over $1,500 in new, unwrapped gifts for adults, children, and teenagers residing at the facility.
As a 501(c) nonprofit organization established in 1985, JAAOCF is committed to providing support for families in Central Florida and Jamaica. The association focuses on education, youth development, community service, and emergency assistance, both locally and internationally.
The initiative, launched in 2020 by JAAOCF President Joan Edghill, aims to bring holiday cheer to those in need. Inspired by her mother’s passing in 2020, President Edghill sought to give back to her community. She collected a container of gifts for Harbor House and suggested that members of the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida Inc. do the same. This tradition has continued each year since then. “It’s wonderful to bring holiday cheer to those experiencing difficulties, especially at Christmas,” she said.
The gifts are distributed to Harbor House’s “Gifts of Hope” program, where residents can “shop” for free and select items for themselves and their loved ones. This initiative is one of many undertaken by JAAOCF, but it holds a special place in Ms. Edghill’s heart.
“We are proud to continue this tradition of giving back to our community,” said President Edghill. “We are grateful for the generosity of our members, family, and friends who contributed to this initiative, with special thanks you to the Vice President, Mea Allman, Outreach Chair, Mrs. Danna Hall, and the entire Outreach Committee.
The Jamaican American Association of Central Florida invites the community to join them in their mission to provide support and services to those in need. For more information, please visit their website or contact them directly.
