By Staff Writer
Progressive Action for Community Development (PACD) has brought festive cheer to elderly residents and children of the Shoe Factory Community through a targeted Christmas Day outreach aimed at supporting the most vulnerable members of the community.
The initiative, which took place on Christmas Day, was designed to celebrate the festive season while easing the daily needs of old folks and putting smiles on the faces of children. The Shoe Factory Community, a densely populated area known for its strong communal ties, served as the venue for the distribution exercise.
A total of 60 elderly residents benefited from the outreach, receiving essential food items to support their wellbeing during the festive period. In addition, over 100 children from the community also benefited, receiving Christmas gifts that added joy and excitement to the celebrations.
Beneficiaries were selected from across the five blocks that make up the Shoe Factory Community. All recipients are long-time residents, reflecting PACD’s focus on grassroots, community-based support.
The distribution was carried out in an orderly and transparent manner, with PACD volunteers ensuring fairness throughout the process. The exercise drew appreciation from residents and community leaders, many of whom praised the organization for remembering both the elderly and children during the festive season.
Several elderly beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that the support came at a crucial time when many were struggling to meet basic needs.
Speaking on the initiative, PACD Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aaron B. Harris, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to humanitarian service.
“This outreach is our way of standing with our elderly brothers and sisters during the festive season,” Mr. Harris said. “At Progressive Action for Community Development, we believe that caring for old folks strengthens the entire community.”
He added that bringing joy to children during Christmas is equally important, as it nurtures hope and a sense of belonging among the younger generation.
PACD has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar community-driven interventions in the future, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote social welfare and inclusive development at the grassroots level.
