An email entitled "Dear Fellow Jamaicans:" arrived in the inbox today and it seems worthy to pass it on to everyone who loves the island...

Jamlink, in accordance with its efforts to promote cohesive philanthropy in Jamaica, is pleased to introduce the Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc.

The Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to facilitate children living in rural Jamaica with several basic community services such as library access, computer and internet technology, educational materials, scholarship programs, summer school/camps and literacy classes. These community services are specifically provided through its library, the Allen-Shaw Reading Room located in Resource District, South Manchester.

Since inception in 1996, the Allen-Shaw Foundation has had a significant impact on the community; however the Foundation’s capacity to offer these vital services has been limited due to the lack of necessary resources. It is for this reason that we are contacting you, to seek your assistance.

Please help the Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc to allow our children access to vital educational information which in turn will benefit them, their community and their future. With your help, we can open up a window of opportunity and give them a life beyond their limited boundaries along with the tools, the hope and the desire to strive for excellence.

How can you help? We would greatly appreciate any monetary contributions from you or your business, or should it be more desirable for you to provide assistance in other areas, please refer to the Allen-Shaw Foundation Wish List below. All monetary donations are tax deductible through The Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc., a 501c (3) organization.

The Allen-Shaw Foundation Wish List:

- Building Funds towards a budget of US$10,000 to create additional space to the Allen-Shaw Reading Room.
- Educational and Technological Supplies such as Computers (PC's), Laptops, High-speed Internet Access
- Educational software (pre-school thru High School), Books on Caribbean history and Caribbean school curriculum.
- Community Volunteers, medical (such as general practitioners, dentist and pediatric), Educational (teachers workshops).
- General Funding to maintain library and community programs.

By making a donation you will not only be contributing directly to the success of The Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc. but will also be playing an active role in the overall sustainable development of Jamaica. If you are not the individual in your organization to make a decision regarding our request, we kindly ask that you forward this letter to the appropriate person. Donations can be made directly to the foundation via the website at www.allenshawfoundation.org.

If you have any questions about the Foundation or donations, please feel free to contact Paula Shaw at 718-379-4232 or via e-mail at allenshawfoundation@yahoo.com.

Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

Respectfully submitted by Jamlink on behalf of:
The Allen-Shaw Foundation, Inc.