Could you help to bring a smile to a child’s face this Christmas?

Generous residents are being asked to become an Anonymous Santa and donate a gift to a needy youngster.

The names of hundreds of underprivileged children have been registered with the Salvation Army, which is organising the scheme.

“We have eight pages of children,” said Lynn Gordon, the Salvation Army’s family service and shop manager. “We’d like to give each one a toy and a book.

“Last year was overwhelming. Our needs have gone up with so many people out of work.”

The toys and books donated by the Island’s “Santas” will be distributed as part of the Salvation Army’s “complete Christmas assistance” for families, Ms Gordon said.

Those in need of help can register with the organisation for the children’s gifts, festive food such as turkey or chicken, and shopping vouchers.

About 1,800 families received help last year, Ms Gordon said, and as many, if not more, are expected to sign up this year.

“Kids will get toys and parents will get vouchers for Christmas shopping,” she added. “Santas Anonymous is a small part of what we offer at Christmas, but it’s the most important part because Christmas is mostly for children.”

Ms Gordon said they were not appealing for very expensive gifts, to ensure all the children would benefit equally, and to make it easier for donors to give in this tough economic climate.

“It can be a doll, a stuffed animal, a book,” she said, adding that they welcomed gifts for all ages and for both boys and girls.

She also suggested that for older children, people could donate movie gift cards or vouchers for KFC snack boxes, so the youths could enjoy a day out with friends — a simple treat many do not often enjoy.

“For some of those kids, they can’t do that,” Ms Gordon said.

The Salvation Army also organises food hampers and care packages for seniors and those in nursing homes, meaning they require help in the form of food and toiletries.

Ms Gordon said Better Covenant Christian Fellowship had already volunteered to help to supply hampers in the spirit of the season and “coming together”.

Baby items such as diapers and wipes are also in high demand from mothers.

“Moms will choose diapers and wipes over everything,” Ms Gordon said. “That’s a constant expense. Vouchers for the Phoenix Stores are also good; people can buy toiletries.”

Ms Gordon said the Salvation Army had been running a Christmas appeal since before she joined them 16 years ago.

People can donate toys and books for children at one of three dedicated gift deposit centres: HSBC’s Harbourview Centre, Butterfield Bank’s Reid Street and Rosebank locations, and Bermuda Commercial Bank on Par-la-Ville Road.

You can also contribute toys or any other donations for families or seniors to any Salvation Army Church or their thrift store on King Street, Hamilton.

For more information, or to find out what age groups require toys and what items are needed, call the Salvation Army on 537-6455.

Anonymous Santas are asked to submit gifts by December 15.

Families in need of assistance from the Salvation Army this Christmas should contact Leanne Hollis at the Family Services office in Hamilton on 292-5159; Major Dan Broome at the Salvation Army Church in St George’s on 297-0267; or Major Curtis Butler at the Salvation Army West End Community Church on 234-4046.