A Jamaican Christmas

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 16, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | I NEW YORK, NY: I N CASE you have not been keeping count, it has been 17 years since the McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home (MBFH), launched its Holiday Toy Drive as part of its corporate responsibility to the North Bronx and surrounding communities from which it derives its business. And, in case you missed this year’s call to donate, it is not too late, as you still have a few days to get your toy to the facility at 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, NY. Here is the big tease. You can log on to the facility’s YouTube channel at McCalls.net, select the ‘live stream’ option and enjoy a rebroadcast of this year’s star-studded event featuring ce- lebrity hosts, Peabo Bryson ( Tonight, I CelebrateMy Love ) and Martin Luther McCoy (actor/musician). This year’s event also marks the 10th anniversary of the McCall’s/United Negro College Fund (UNCF) partner- ship, benefiting students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the country, a partnership that has so far raised and realised some 50 thousand dollars in support of on-cam- pus college programmes. In a candid conversation with The Gleaner /USA, James Alston, CEO of McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, said that he is thankful for the outpour- ing of support and generosity from the community. “While the toy drive benefits children in the surrounding neighbourhoods, the scholarships allow our students the opportunity of a rounded college education that would not be otherwise afforded them. For us, this is a lifeline of support at a critical juncture in the lives of so many of our youth, made all the more so by the pandemic.” Last year, for example, some 400 patrons packed into the Eastwood Manor Banquet Hall, Bronx, for the an- nual celebration, not only for the food and fun, but to see, hear and cheer on, those whose lives have been changed through charity. “The big takeaway and the satisfac- tion in what we do is to hear the testi- monials from some of the students and leaders of community organisations, at our event,”offered Alston, who pointed out the unique nature of the event in that admission is with a toy and a do- nation to the UNCFund! Among the organisations that the MBFH Toy Drive continues to benefit are: the Montefiore Children’s Hospital, NYPD/47 Precinct, local family shelters and a number of community organisa- tions. Over the past five decades, MBFH has contributed close to $250,000 to various scholarship programmes across the city and state. Forced to change course because of the pandemic and its attendant pro- tocols, Alston, who is an HBCU Alum, said he was already looking to next year’s grand celebration marking the 55th anniversary of the McCall’s BFH iconic partnershipwith the North Bronx community. “I could not have asked for more from this community that we have called home for all these many years, and for that we are eternally grateful.” The MBFH will be accepting toy do- nations until December 12, from 9:00 am, through to 6:00 pm., and an op- portunity for you to make a difference this holiday, for one child, one family! Aubrey Campbell Georgia Dream Homes Realty New York Dream Homes Realty dreamhomes411@gmail.com garymccookgeorgiamls.com 678-290-0085(o) 678-778-6335 (c) 888-540-0201 (f) 4549 Stilesboro Road, Kennesaw, GA. 30152 Garfield McCook BROKER/OWNER Make a difference this holiday! James Alston, CEO McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, NY. McCall’s commits to charity initiative for families, communities CHRISTMAS CHEERS. Board Member Jennifer Lumley admires one of the many toys collected at last year’s holiday celebrations, presented by the MBFH, at the Eastwood Manor Catering Hall, Bronx. THE CLASS OF 2016. The scholars are from left; Danielle Clayton, Sean Fairclough, James Alston – McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home; Brenda Alves, DaJour Brown and William Phillips. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS CHRISTMAS FEATURE THE WEEKLY GLEAN R | D CEMBER 10, 2020 - JANUARY 9, 2021 | www.jamai ca-gle ner. om | CHRI TMAS F ATURE 34