MORE than 1200 needy senior citizens on Monday received food hampers when the Salvation Army held its annual Christmas Hampers distribution at its Divisional Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets.It was a spirited programme, which commenced with the lusty singing of carols by all assembled, and headed by Major Carolinda Cumberbatch, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Divisional Youth Secretary, Captain Jona Yangil Augusto.

There was a great display of discipline on the part of the recipients, as they obeyed instructions to the letter. Beaming with delight when called upon to receive their hampers, they quietly arose in an orderly fashion, expressed thanks and graciously made their way out of the church. It was about the most orderly distribution process experienced in years and everyone went away feeling happy.
Opening remarks and Scripture reading were done by Divisional Commander, Major Emmerson Cumberbatch, while Divisional Secretary, Major Laura Yangil-Augusto offered the opening prayer.
Chairman of the Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer, in his remarks to the seniors assembled to receive their hampers, commented on just how good they were looking, and urged them to age gracefully. He cautioned that, regardless of their circumstances, they should strive to be happy, taking into consideration that there are other people who are less fortunate than they. “You have to be strong,” he urged, adding: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us.”
And calling on the gathering to see the world around them as beautiful, he admonished them not to dwell on what they lack and on misgivings, but to look for ways to maximise strengths rather than dwell on misgivings.
“Beauty is all around you – in your spouse, in your children, your grandchildren; in the flower you put into your plant pot. Keep nurturing and looking at it and one day you will experience its beauty,” Mr. Boyer said.

Mr. Boyer in concluding imparted these virtues to the seniors:
* Strive everyday to be stronger.
* Do not procrastinate, do what you have to do now and don’t put it off for later
* Do not send out thoughts of sickness. Send out positive thoughts, affirming: “I am well and I am going to make the best of this day.”
Meanwhile, Advisory Board member, Pastor/Justice Oslen Small called on the gathering to ever be thankful to God for what He has done for them and to give thanks with a grateful heart.
He concluded with the timely affirmation, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring the Good News to the poor.”