As many on the Island continue to feel the effects of the downturn in the economy, donations of clothing and household items in good conditions are greatly needed.Reaching out to help is Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in Bermuda which is supporting local charitable organisations on September 23.Hotel staff will take part in a clothing and household item drive for the Salvation Army, and will be on hand for the entire day to check and accept public donations.From 8am to 6pm donations will be accepted at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. Anyone who donates acceptable items will be entered into a raffle draw for a two-night stay with dinner at the hotel.It’s all part of the luxury hotel brand’s Community Connections Month to highlight the group’s “ongoing commitment to proactively engage with local communities”.“At Fairmont, we are continually seeking out ways to support and give back to the local community while encouraging our employees to participate,” said general manager Len Czarnecki. “We chose to work with the Salvation Army as the organisation has been an integral part of the community in Bermuda for more than 100 years.“With the economic challenges many in Bermuda are facing, the services of The Salvation Army are more vital than ever in helping to provide even the basic essentials for families in need.”Items needed for donation include clothing for children and adults and household items like towels, sheets, blankets and curtains.All items need to be clean, folded and in usable condition.The Salvation Army has also requested gently used kitchenware, such as dishes, cutlery, and cooking pots and pans.People are also welcome to donate small electronic items (small enough for one person to carry) as long as they are in working condition.Divisional Commander Major Shawn Critch said: “We are so grateful to The Fairmont Hamilton Princess for choosing to support The Salvation Army.“Charities across the Island have been impacted by the downtown in the economy while the demands for services have increased. It’s important that the community unites in helping one another.”Donations may be dropped off at the hotel parking lot, hotel employees will be on hand to accept donations and distribute raffle tickets.The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is also partnering with Fairmont Southampton to hold their annual coastal clean-up on Saturday, September 21.This year, the hotels’ ‘Green Teams’ will be working with Keep Bermuda Beautiful to gather trash on Horseshoe Bay Beach.