The Progressive Labour Party extended a helping hand to families in need this Christmas by asking its members to donate children’s gifts to the Salvation Army.

The party has also donated to Family Centre and to disadvantaged members of the community.

The Salvation Army recently made a public appeal due to a lack of donated gifts this Christmas. In response, the PLP held an event at its Alaska Hall headquarters on Monday evening to encourage its members to give back.

Party representatives, stationed on the Cabinet grounds, yesterday helped to load gifts including Barbie dolls, headphones and puzzles on to a Salvation Army truck which will then be distributed to those in need.

David Burt, the Premier, was on hand in his Santa hat along with Cabinet members, members of the executive and members of the party’s youth wing.

The Premier said: “There are kids in Bermuda who can’t afford to have presents, so from the perspective of the work we do in this area, I think it is important to give back in whatever way possible.

“Members of the PLP have done things throughout the country such as handing out gifts to seniors in my constituency, and some constituents are giving out turkeys, doing community service and visiting rest homes to show our support.

“On the government side, we need to do more and make sure that we can support people in our community who need it.

“These are some of the discussions that we are having in Cabinet when talking about how we will approach the next session. We will be identifying our priorities and recognising the severe challenges which exist inside Bermuda.”

Terry Battersbee, the Salvation Army representative and driver of the gift truck, said: “We appreciate everything that is being donated to us because it goes a long way and helps out those who are in need. Any gift from one package to 100 packages is a help.

“We asked that people specify age groups for the toys and once it all comes in, they can allocate it as such. This is my first year doing this for the Salvation Army, but I have done other things like this and I have seen how the children’s faces light up when they receive their presents.”