The Salvation Army hopes to feed 1,800 families in need this Christmas.

Lynn Gordon, the charity’s family service manager, invited families to sign up for assistance throughout November to receive a tasty meal on Christmas Day.

You can sign up at Salvation Army locations in Hamilton (call 292-5159), Somerset (call 234-4046) and St George’s (at 6, Governor’s Alley).

Applicants will receive hampers consisting of a turkey or chicken, a supermarket food voucher and a bag of non-perishable items.

“This year, we’re finding that although people are getting back to work, a lot of it is part-time,” Ms Gordon said.

“Many people are asking about receiving assistance for Christmas. Even though people are making it through the year, they need that extra push around now.”

The Anonymous Santa gift initiative also returns this year. It aims to cheer up a less privileged child over the holidays.

Participants are given the age, gender and wishlist of an otherwise unknown child — or “elf” – and may then buy a gift for them to open on Christmas Day.

All presents must be submitted by December 12; call 537-6455 for further information.

Applicants for Christmas assistance must bring photo identification and a utilities bill to verify their address.

The Salvation Army is also encouraging businesses, churches and other groups to join its Kettle Campaign.

The donations drive will be launched at City Hall on November 30 and seeks to raise $300,000 for operational costs.

See www.salvationarmy.ca/bermuda for more details.