Tessanne Chin returns the baby to its mother at the Bustamante Hospital for Children on Tuesday December 22. - Krista Henry Photos

It was all smiles on Tuesday at the Bustamante Hospital for Children as the Shaggy and Friends Foundation gave out gifts and held a concert for the children.

Shaggy and Friends were on hand, spreading Christmas cheer throughout the hospital at their annual gift-giving concert. Shaggy, alongside entertainers Tessanne Chin, Alaine, Red Foxx and 'Digicel Rising Stars' winners Romain Virgo and Cameal Davis were all present, talking and singing with the children.

making children smile

The Scotiabank volunteers could be seen wearing Santa hats and walking around handing out gifts and making children smile. In addition, Miss Jamaica 2007 Sara Lawrence, was dressed as 'Mrs Clause' and was accompanied by her own Santa Clause.

Over 150 gifts were handed out and the children were treated to having their faces painted and given hats to wear as well. NCB was also on hand with a gift of J$100,000 which was donated to the Shaggy and Friends Foundation.

When The Gleaner caught up with Shaggy he commented, "today (Tuesday) we're doing the treat as usual. The rain dampened it a little as we usually do it outside but there were more empty beds this time round which is a very good sign. Everything is alright for the concert; it's a little more expensive than we thought but we're alright."

a magician called Wizard

Afterwards, the kids were treated to a performance by a magician called Wizard, who gave them quite a show as they cried "awesome" to his every move. During the visit, Digicel surprised Mr Everton Purcell, the longest-serving employee of the hospital with a Long Service Recognition gift.

Mr Purcell, who has been at the hospital for over 37 years, said of the hospital, "I don't think I could ever work anywhere else - the hospital has grown a lot since I started here at age 16 and I have been a part of that growth."