Law firm, Appleby, has presented Christmas hampers and gifts to a charity that helps people with HIV and their families.

The donation to Supportive Therapy for Aids Persons and their Relatives (STAR) was made on December 19.

STAR has provided financial, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual support for over 28 years to persons with HIV and their families.

Partners and staff at Appleby annually support six families introduced by STAR during the holiday season by supplying food hampers and fruit baskets, as well as delivering Christmas trees to their homes.

Appleby employees also donated toys, vouchers, clothing and toiletries.

STAR representative Vanessah Simpson was presented with the Christmas goodies by Partner Janita Burke and volunteer staff coordinators last week.

Ms Burke said: “This marks our 16th year working with STAR during the holiday season and each year we always hope that our support makes the season even more joyous for our STAR families.

“I’d like to thank the Bermuda staff who generously donated and in particular, thank our volunteer coordinators, who assisted with the hampers on each floor or organising the deliveries to STAR.

“They are Jennifer Bean, Shirley Dill, Reshna Govender, Georgette Howard, Thalia Lightbourne, Penny Pfenning, Maria Ratteray, Calvin Steede, Welma Steede, Tiffani Stevens and Sharon Swan.”

STAR’s work in the Bermuda community has benefited more than 180 people at its Light House home, which provides a family environment for men, women and children.