Some of the food items. Photo: Provided

Judith M. Charles (to the back) and the rest of the FSN staff. Photo: Provided

Digicel's Marketing and Public Relations Executive Jasmine A. Perez. Photo: Provided

But the element of surprise graced them when they got there to the good news that they were specially selected as the most deserving of many families that have been serviced by FSN over this year.

They received gifts for each child in their family and a $100 gift voucher each compliments of Digicel BVI and a whole ham and turkey compliments of RiteWay Food Market.

The five families are said to have experienced extreme hardships economically and otherwise but were said to have shown great strength in fighting the fight.

Digicel's Marketing and Public Relations Executive Jasmine A. Perez turned up at FSN this morning with the Digicel bundles of gifts in advance of the families arrival when she said, "This Christmas season we would like to say thank you to everyone who has welcome us to share some of our blessings with the community that has supported us for the six years that we have been here in the BVI. Five families were rewarded with toys for the kids, and $100 in food vouchers from Digicel."

RiteWay's Representative Akil Anthony did the same and said, "Christmas is all about giving and it's a joy to know that we can contribute to the happiness of persons in our community."

Speaking to this news site, President of FSN Judith M. Charles said, “Today was one of the times when the importance of what Family Support Network does became crystal clear to me. I saw firsthand people whose lives are affected by what we do. I felt a deeper appreciation of the staff and volunteers who work there every day, and felt an added appreciation for all the people, organizations and companies who partner with us every day, especially at this time of year, to accomplish some of the things we try to do to make a positive impact on our community.”

“So I'd like to say on behalf of the board, the staff, volunteers and the 250 families we have worked with in 2014 thanks to Digicel for their amazing donation of gifts and food to the FSN families. Thanks to the community who have supported FSN through our food drives, the Rotary food drives, and the many fundraising efforts of other individuals, companies and organizations who have generously filled our office with all the food and gifts that our client families have received this holiday season,” she said.