The Social Protection Board has received a donation of household essentials and back-to-school supplies from Senator Shaquan O’Neil to assist vulnerable families preparing for the new academic year.

Senator O’Neil presented the items Tuesday morning at the Board’s headquarters, following his participation as guest speaker at its Child Beneficiaries Graduation on July 21, 2026. Approximately 60 children graduated during the ceremony.

The senator said meeting the beneficiaries and learning more about the work of Operations Manager Mary Baltimore and her team inspired him to provide further assistance.

“This donation is not simply household items, but it goes toward supporting families as they prepare their children to go back to school,” Senator O’Neil said.

“The work that the Social Protection Board has done over the years and witnessing the graduation showed me that Social Protection is home for these children. As a senator, I’m committed more than ever to supporting that cause in any way possible.”

The donated supplies included food, personal-care products and laundry essentials intended to help meet the daily needs of families under the Board’s care.

Baltimore said the items represented meaningful and practical support for the beneficiaries.

“When I look at the table here, I see breakfast, I see lunch, I see dinner and even a snack—and even the ability to have their clothes washed and to have a shower,” she said.

The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, through the Social Protection Board, said it remains committed to supporting vulnerable children and families across Antigua and Barbuda as they prepare for the new school year.