THE Sandals Foundation and United States-based toy company Hasbro have come together once again for their annual Christmas toy distribution, making the most wonderful time of the year for 16,000 children across the Caribbean even brighter.

Since 2011, Sandals Foundation has partnered with Hasbro to mobilise hundreds of helpers who volunteer to spread the joy, going into schools and local communities with toys and games to kick off the holiday season.

“The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing, and even more a time to inspire hope. We are incredibly grateful to be able to partner with Hasbro to bring joy to children in a way that lets them know they are being thought of,” says Patrice Gilpin, public relations manager at Sandals Foundation.

On December 11, volunteers from Sandals Ochi Beach and Beaches Ocho Rios delivered 100 gifts to Stewart Town Basic School. Principal Kayon Jarret called it “an early Christmas” for the children, many of whom eagerly look forward to receiving gifts from Santa each year.

Volunteers from Sandals Dunn’s River and Sandals Royal Plantation also brought the magic of Christmas to life, delivering hugs, joyful laughter, and special gifts to brighten the holidays for children.

At Springmont Basic School in St James, Principal Paula Hanson shared her joy, noting the children’s excitement when Santa arrived.

“Seeing their smiles was everything,” said Hanson.

“I didn’t realise how much joy Santa could still bring to children today. It was incredible to see such a large turnout for the Christmas treat, it’s a first since I’ve been here. Thank you, Santa, and thank you, Sandals Foundation,” added Hanson.

Santa’s Sandals Foundation helpers from Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean began their holiday distributions on December 6, delivering toys and meals to around 1,000 people across St James and Trelawny, including underserved areas like North Gully and Flanker, and far-flung areas such as Riverside and Salter’s Hill.

For Alyssa McInnis, a volunteer from Sandals Royal Caribbean, the experience was heart-warming. “Some children said they weren’t sure they’d get gifts this Christmas and that melted my heart,” she shared.

On the South Coast, Sandals volunteers brought joy to more than 1,450 children with toys, treats, and festivities at schools including Culloden Infant, Kings Primary, and Bluefields Infant. They also visited community groups, providing toys and donations for Christmas dinners.

Through these efforts, the Sandals Foundation brought holiday cheer to thousands of children and families, spreading joy and hope across several communities in Jamaica and throughout the wider Caribbean.

The annual Holiday Toy Distribution has become a tradition for children in Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Grenada, Barbados, Curacao and now expands to its newest home, St Vincent and the Grenadines.