Consistent with its mandate to improve the lives of under-privileged, at-risk and orphaned Caribbean youth through sports, health and enrichment programs, the "They Often Cry Outreach" (TOCO) Foundation continues to leverage its considerable network of partners across North America and Europe to improve the life chances of the region’s youth.

On Friday, Sep. 9, a shipment of 1500 pairs of shoes was dispatched to the Commonwealth of Dominica from New York City, with the promise of an additional shipment later this month.

The donation was as a result of the joint mobilization efforts of TOCO Foundation, founded by Saint Lucian born US-based recording artist, philanthropist, and UNICEF Youth Ambassador Taj Weekes, and Zandoli International Foundation.

The initial response with relief to the nature isle was supported by the Ian's Boots non-profit organization, and the Taraji Foundation Inc. On hand to receive the footwear were Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Nations, H.E. Dr. Vince Henderson; the Dominica Consul General in New York, Hon. Barbara Daley; and Saint Lucia’s Consul General Hon. Julian Du Bois.

Joining Taj and Angela Weekes of TOCO to hand over the footwear were Ron and Holly Miller of Ian’s Boots.

“Disaster can be a seven day wonder but their effects linger. On one hand we wanted to respond quickly because in times like these support needs more than expression, it needs meaning. We see this first shipment as an expression of support, but the real value to our Dominica family is in being there after the waters subside,” TOCO CEO Weekes said. He added that based on the active canvassing by the Foundation and commitments received to date, subsequent dispatches to Dominica by TOCO are imminent.

Over the last six years or so, the impact of TOCO Foundation is being felt from Trinidad in the south to Haiti in the northern Caribbean, and especially in Saint Lucia as a consequence of its active and self-initiated support to youth. Much of this outreach has been focused on support for sports development through the provision of sporting gear, headhunting to identify eligible candidates for sports scholarships, donations of schoolbooks and school supplies to economically depressed communities and flood hit areas, and through advocacy on the proliferation of diabetes.