Christmas treat still on for Mustard Seed Children’s Home
Published:Friday | December 5, 2025 | 12:06 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, organisers say the annual Christmas treat for children at the Mustard Seed Home in Adelphi, St James, will go ahead.
Janet Richards, founder of the Janet Richards Foundation, said after talks with the Usain Bolt Foundation — its usual partner — she is confident the home will not miss out on Christmas cheer.
“Something will be happening for the Mustard Seed children, and I am sure Usain will never allow them not to go through with it. It might not be the regular fun and hype that we usually have with the Christmas treat, because it will be more about getting the children comfortable after Hurricane Melissa, but I am looking forward to hosting it, and hosting all my other treats as I normally do,” Richards said.
Winsome Wilkins, chairman of the Usain Bolt Foundation, said the group’s commitment has not wavered.
“Hurricane Melissa will not affect Usain Bolt’s contribution to the Mustard Seed community’s Christmas treat, as we are committed to this partnership with the Janet Richards Foundation, and this year will be no different. We are extending our support to this institution that caters to our children who are in need,” Wilkins said.
The Janet Richards Foundation has supported disabled and at-risk children in St James and Hanover since 2008. Along with the Mustard Seed Home, it has assisted the Melody Girls’ Home in Irwin, St James, and runs an annual back-to-school treat in Kendal, Hanover.
Richards said she has already been helping Mustard Seed residents and staff since the hurricane.
“After the hurricane, I got in contact with the Mustard Seed home’s house manager and I tried to get some relief for the children in terms of food items. My church, Trumpet Hall Ministries [based in Montego Bay], gave lunch to the children and their caregivers,” she said.
“Also, a group from Kingston called me and wanted to do a project in Montego Bay, and I suggested Mustard Seed to them. We went and cleaned up the mud out of two of the rooms there, and the group took a whole lot of food items and toiletries that could serve the home for at least three weeks,” Richards added.