Our History
The Foundation
Margaret G. Samuels
In the heart of a small community, there lived a remarkable woman named Margaret G. Samuels, affectionately known as “Miss Maggie.” Born October 7, 1907, Miss Maggie was a beacon of kindness and generosity. Her life was a testament to the power of giving, and her legacy continues to inspire generations.
Miss Maggie was an active member of her community and the Riverside Methodist Church. She believed sincerely in the importance of education and religion and ensured that her children were consistently involved in both. Her dedication to education began at the primary school level, and she firmly believed in the Riverside All Ages School.
Margaret’s daughter, Eva Samuels, inherited her mother’s passion for giving back. Inspired by Miss Maggie’s selflessness, Eva and her niece, Dr. Heather Jones, founded The Margaret G. Samuels Foundation. This foundation was created to honor Miss Maggie’s legacy and to continue her mission of helping those in need.
The foundation’s story is about love, dedication, and commitment to improving the community. Eva and Dr. Heather Jones have worked tirelessly to ensure the foundation lives up to Miss Maggie’s ideals. They have inspired others in their family and community to embrace the spirit of giving, just as Miss Maggie did. Their efforts have been further strengthened by the support of their large and dedicated family, who have joined them in the fundraising efforts, helping to expand the foundation’s reach and impact.
Through the foundation, many lives have been touched and transformed. Scholarships have been awarded, community projects have been funded, and support has been provided to those who need it most. The Margaret G. Samuels Foundation is a testament to the enduring power of one woman’s kindness and its ripple effect on the world.
So, the next time you hear about the foundation, remember the story of Miss Maggie, a woman who gave without expecting anything in return and whose legacy continues to shine brightly through the work of her daughter, granddaughter, and extended family.
Passing the Baton
A Legacy Continued
In 2005, Eva Samuels and her niece, Dr. Jones, set out on a heartfelt mission—to inspire action and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Their first recruits? Eva’s sister, Ivy Jones, along with Eva’s daughter Maxine. With a shared passion for giving back, they turned their attention to a place deeply rooted in the family’s heart—Hanover, Jamaica, and more specifically, Riverside All-Age School.
Why Riverside? Because this was where many in Margaret’s family journey began, the school that shaped their childhood and instilled in them a love for learning. Determined to give back, the family sprang into action. On a scorching summer, they gathered school supplies, food, toys, and clothing, carefully packing them into two barrels before sending them off to support the students of Riverside and the surrounding community.
Strengthening the Mission
A year later, in the summer of 2006, Eva and Dr. Jones visited Riverside in person. Seeing the children’s enthusiasm and the impact of their efforts firsthand only deepened their commitment. Education was more than just lessons in a classroom—it was a gateway to opportunity and a brighter future.
By 2008, their efforts expanded. This time, the family sent three barrels—not just for the students at Riverside but also with much-needed medical supplies for a local Hanover clinic. Their mission had grown beyond the school, reaching into the broader community to improve lives in even more ways.
Building a Lasting Impact
Over the years, what began as a simple act of generosity became more significant. The foundation now provides annual scholarships to deserving students, ensuring that education remains within reach for many. They sponsor beloved school events, such as the festive Christmas lunch, where students receive presents and enjoy a joyful celebration.
Understanding the importance of technology in modern education, the foundation also embarked on projects to improve learning resources, fund school development initiatives, and provide essential tools for students and teachers. Their partnership with Dr. Jones’s medical practice extended their reach, ensuring that the Hanover clinic and daycare center received much-needed medical supplies.
Rising to the Challenge
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life worldwide, the foundation stepped up again. They sent additional supplies, including face masks for children and their families and hand sanitizers, to help keep the school and community safe while learning continued.
A Future Filled with Hope
Today, Eva Samuels, Dr. Jones, and the family remain unwavering in their mission, supporting Riverside All-Age School and the greater Hanover community. Their dedication to education, well-being, and community development is a testament to the power of giving, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple of change for generations to come.
Their story is more than just one of generosity; it’s a legacy of love, hope, and a commitment to a brighter future.