War veterans, widows and their families are due to be presented with holiday gifts today by the Bermuda branch of the Royal British Legion.

There are 350 war veterans and widows on the Island said Carol Everson, a welfare caseworker for the RBL and a small number of them may be lonely over the Christmas holiday.

The Royal Gazette is profiling the efforts of Ms Everson and her team at RBL as part of our 'Dare to Care' campaign.

In the past few weeks this paper has highlighted organisations and individuals carrying out care projects around the Island, including sisters Colette and Crystal Lightbourne Simmons who recently hosted a holiday meal for the needy in Southampton.

The campaign aims to encourage the public to get involved with one of the worthwhile charities on the Island or carry out their own acts of kindness to show others they care.

The RBL is a registered charity advocating for and helping war veterans and their relatives. It will be delivering $2,700 worth of gifts to clients in need today, including food baskets, pyjamas and warm clothes.

This includes people in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital continuing care ward and in rest homes, said Ms Everson, a serving soldier with the Bermuda Regiment.

She believes the gifts will let people know there is an organisation that remembers and acknowledges the great contribution war veterans have made.

Ms Everson said it also showed them that the charity "cares deeply about them and are continuously looking for ways to improve the veterans situation here in Bermuda".

In addition to going home to home, the RBL will deliver some gifts during the North Village Band carol singing on St. Monica's area tonight.

According to Ms Everson "there is a lot of catch-up to do" for veterans on the Island. "Right up to 2007 there was very little done for them. In fact this Government has actually taken veteran issues forward by providing Bermudian war vets and widows with a pension and medical benefits which has made a huge difference."

She added: "I feel a deep sense of gratitude for their contribution and it's a privilege to be of service to them. They are a very impressive group of people and we should honour them."

In addition to the gifts purchased from MarketPlace, English Sports Shop and Gibbons & Company the recipients will also get a personalised Christmas card.

The items are paid for by the RBL from money raised in November from the Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal. Ms Everson stressed that every penny raised for the appeal stayed in Bermuda to help war veterans. "None of it goes overseas," she added.

The charity also provides the qualifying community with taxi transportation at a discounted rate, helps with housing issues, crisis loans and debts.

If anyone knows of a veteran or a widow who is alone at Christmas, contact the RBL who hope to provide them with a gift. Call 533-4567 or email rbl.bermudahotmail.com.

Also if you or someone you know is carrying out care projects in the community let us know by contacting nadiaroyalgazette.bm or call 278-0157.