THE MONTHLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 11, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | CHRISTMAS FEATURE 16 Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK, NY: IN CASE you have not been keeping count, it’s 26 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 are planning to attend this year’s event, it’s not too late, as you still have a few days until December 12, to get your toy to the facility at 4035 Bronxwood Avenue, Bronx, NY, or call to make your reservation for the 6 p.m. start to the dinner, at the Eastwood Manor facility, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx. This year’s event will also double as a call to action in support of the McCall’s/United Negro College Fund (UNCF) partnership, benefiting students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), across the country, a partnership that has so far raised close to $75,000 in support for on campus (college)enrichment programmes. In a candid conversation with The Weekly Gleaner, James Alston, CEO of McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home said that he is thankful for the outpouring 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 social and economic challenges of the day” Last year, for example, some 400 patrons packed into the Eastwood Manor Banquet Hall, Bronx, for the annual celebration, not only for the food and fun, but to see, hear and cheer on, those whose lives have been changed through the McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home holiday charitable initiative. “The big takeaway and the satisfaction in what we do is to hear the testimonials 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 an unwrapped toy and a (suggested $50) donation to the UNCFund! “Despite our collective challenges and concerns, there are those among us far less fortunate to whom an extension of grace, favour and a small act of kindness, will bring a better day. As we give thanks, we want our friends, neighbours and families to embrace the collective nature of our struggle with compassion for one another.” 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 organisations. Over the past five decades, the McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home has contributed well over $250,000 to various scholarship programs across the city and state. “I could not have asked for more from this community that we have called home for the past six decades, and for that we are eternally grateful.” The MBFH will be accepting toy donations until December 12, from 9am to 4pm., and an opportunity for you to make a difference this holiday, for one child and/or one family! “And the angel said to them, do not be afraid; for behold, I announce to you good news of great joy, which will be for all people, because today, a Saviour has been born to you in David’s city, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, Recovery Version). Unto us a Child was born, and the presence of His heralds was so awesome that the shepherds were terrified. This is the norm whenever beings from the invisible world visit humans. This scene, however, was never meant to scare the shepherds. And so, they were comforted by the heavenly visitors, “Do not be afraid;” for I have very good news, which is first for the people of Israel and then for the entire world. A child is born, a Saviour, who is Christ, The Lord. Today, God has come in flesh, this very special day, in the city of David, and He is the medium of salvation for humanity. According to Isaiah 9:6, God had already instructed Israel to expect the arrival of this Christ child, who would be the Saviour of the human race. What a historic moment! Should the Christian church lose sight of this nostalgic occasion, it would indeed be tragic, as all substantial hope for the salvation of the lost would be gone. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was not born to be a saviour; He was born the saviour of Adam’s fallen race. He was not born to become Lord, He was born Lord of the human race. He is both Redeemer and Lord! He is Immanuel, God with Adam’s fallen race! Let us then rejoice in this joyful season and give Him glory, having our hearts filled with grateful appreciation, as we in faith, hope, and jubilation commemorate this mighty and miraculous incarnation! This has given us the great gift of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and by extension, the hope of eternal life, already but not yet! Wishing you and yours a blessed, peaceful, and happy Christmas season, 2023. BISHOP FEDLYN A. BEASON, JP, DD, PhD Senior Pastor, Davie Community Worship Center, Florida Joy to the world, the Saviour has come MESSAGE Peace, health and gratitude from McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home James Alston, CEO, McCall’s Bronxwood Funeral Home, NY CONTRIBUTED
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