Michelle-Ann Letman, Gleaner Writer

Vanina Morrison (right), 10, a student at Hillel Academy, chats with pupils of Denham Town Basic School for whom she threw a Christmas party last Saturday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Denham Town may be miles away from the North Pole, but Santa sent a 10-year-old elf to bring joy to some 100 primary and basic school students in the downtown Kingston community.

Vanina Morrison, who is currently in sixth grade at Hillel Academy, told The Gleaner it was her mother who encouraged her to help children who were less fortunate than she.

"I just wanted to make the children happy and put smiles on their faces," Vanina said.

It was traditional for Vanina's parents to sponsor a Christmas party for Vanina and her friends, but she decided that she would use that money to treat the children at the Denham Town Primary and Basic schools last Saturday.

When the 10-year-old approached principal of the Denham Town Basic School, May Pinnock, she welcomed the thought.

"We are oftentimes forgotten in these areas. It is the first time someone has taken it upon themselves to remember the children of Denham Town," Pinnock told The Gleaner.

School supplies

With the support of her friends and family, Vanina also purchased school supplies for the students of the Denham Town schools, as well as others from St. Alban's Primary and St. Anne's Primary.

One of the parents present at the Christmas treat expressed her gratitude to Vanina and her family.

"It's nice to know other people care about us," the parent said.

The children indulged in cake, donuts and other sweets, and were even visited by Santa, who delighted them with other gifts.

Pinnock expressed her appreciation on behalf of the children and the community and made the point that "for some of children, the gifts they received from Santa this day might be the only gifts they will be getting this Christmas".