D'Angel said that despite the lack of support for her annual charity drive for the youth, she is 'going harder' this year to make 500 less-fortunate children smile. She told THE WEEKEND STAR that this humanitarian spirit to give back to needy children is not only from a place of a "good heart", but a reflection of her own personal experiences. "When the people reached out to me for help, I was away with [my son] Marco [Dean] and I felt so bad because I remember back in the days when my mommy just never had enough in terms of school bag and shoes to give us to go back to school.
She had to struggle and work so hard and she wudda wish somebody wudda hand her a bag or a shoes or uniform for us. So having a platform and giving back wholeheartedly for eight years now feels great because mi couldn't turn a blind eye to the people's cry," she said. "It' just hard and I know a lot of homes are being affected, especially single mothers.
So I just have to put myself in their shoes, and knowing the struggles of my mom who's always working hard." Her charitable event, dubbed the 'Pack a Bag' drive, will be hosted for the second time under the Angel's Foundation in partnership with the Members Only Family. It is set for the Spanish Town Municipal Park next Friday.
The aim is to give 500 books, shoes, bags and stationeries, including crayons, pens and pencils, to 500 students from kindergarten to the high school level. This year's target is 200 more than 2023, but the entertainer said the number of families who turn up always surpasses the targeted amount, indicating a dire need for assistance islandwide. Despite the challenges, the Stronger artiste said she just can't give up when she remembers the cries of the people.
"I'm doing it because I was called to do this - to give back is a gift from God and it feels rewarding doing it," she said. "Just to see the smile on the children's/families faces and feel their warm hugs, knowing you've just impacted a life, is fulfilling in itself." The No Worries singer is pleading to potential sponsors and supporters to come on board.
"Jump on board and do not turn a blind eye to the next future leader of Jamaica. This is for our children and me alone can't dweet," she pleaded. She noted that persons who are also interested to contribute items can do their drop-offs at Style Evolution in Half-Way Tree and 47 Young Street, Spanish Town, St Catherine.
After culminating this back-to-school drive, D'Angel said she'll start planning her upcoming annual food drive for the elderly and children in December..
