Local residents answered the call for assistance and headed to Fairmont Hamilton Princess in droves to help the Salvation Army.As part of the hotel chain’s Community Connections Month, hotel employees collected donations of clothing and household goods yesterday.By the end of the day, two guest rooms were “filled to the ceiling” with goods and several truck loads were moved to the charitable organisation.The support was so overwhelming that the Army’s Thrift Shop on King Street will be closed today to sort through the donations for distribution.Hotel Executive Administrator and Social Media Manager Andreanne Boden said plans are already underway to make it an annual event, possibly by next spring.“We’ve been quite busy, it’s great, the local community is awesome,” she said.“People are asking when are we going to do the next one and we’re thinking next spring since this was so well received.“Were collecting clothing, household and kitchen items, linen, shoes, and everything through to 6pm.“We also have two guest rooms full to the ceiling and three truck loads gone back already.”Participants received raffle tickets for a chance to win a complimentary weekend hotel stay for two and dinner at Fairmont Hamilton Princess.When contacted the head of the church in Bermuda, Divisional Commander Major Shawn Critch said: “What an incredible day!“I would like to thank the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for the initiative and the community for the overwhelming response.“The Thrift Store will be closed to sort through the donations and will reopen on Wednesday.”The event was held as part of Fairmont’s new Sustainability Partnership programme to “proactively engage with its local communities”.Hotel General Manager Len Czarnecki said the hotel chose The Salvation Army because of the integral role it has carried 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.”Staff at Fairmont Southampton participated in the annual coastal clean-up on Saturday with Keep Bermuda Beautiful to gather trash on Horseshoe Bay Beach.