Donations are being sought to buy festive gifts for children of prisoners.

Angel Tree, formed from the Prison Fellowship Bermuda charity, said children of inmates felt a particular sense of loss at Christmas time.

Project coordinator Michel Furqan said: "Our hearts go out for the children of those incarcerated, we cannot help but be reminded that statistically, children with a parent in prison are six times more likely to end up in prison themselves."

The group is trying to break that cycle by sharing the love of God with children of inmates.

Donations can be made directly to Prison Fellowship Bermuda, 53 Church Street, Hamilton HM12.

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Christmas crafts made by female prisoners under the direction of Friends of the Library (FOL) volunteers Mrs. Kathy Steele and Mrs. Ardleigh Young will be sold on the veranda of the National Library in Hamilton on Friday between 12 noon and 2 p.m.

The prisoners volunteered their time throughout the year to produce the festive items using materials donated by FOL, a registered charity which raises funds to assist the National Library. An earlier sale netted $1300, and it is hoped that Friday's sale will add substantially to that. All proceeds will benefit FOL.

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The Island's only psychiatric facility is appealing to the public for more than100 gifts this holiday season to clients and residents.

St. Brendan's Hospital director Linda Trott said: "Already, donations have started coming in from previous donors who are eager to make a difference this season."

Mrs. Trott is now asking businesses, individuals, families, charities and churches for further aid.

To become involved, call 236-3770 extension 3238 and state your name, day-time phone number, fax number and the amount of gifts you want to donate, said Mrs. Trott.

Donors will be sent a fax consisting of the client or resident's "code name", their age and three gift suggestions.

"The suggestions are diverse and include toiletries, underwear, pyjamas, sneakers and are sized up to 5X," said Mrs. Trott.

"The gifts should be never worn or used, wrapped with the code name clearly marked on the package and delivered to St. Brendan's Hospital's front desk by noon on December 12," she added.

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The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute's popular gift shop, Oceans, is holding a special shopping event on Sunday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to its regular and special Christmas merchandise for all ages, there will be demonstrations by local craftspeople and artist. All are welcome.