offered a lifeline -- thanks to the Bermuda chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

The hard-up local mom has been adopted by the group as part of Family Health Month.

And yesterday the single parent was presented with a huge food box.

The food had been donated by warm-hearted members of the 18-strong organisation.

Spokeswoman Ms Shanda Simmons said the group would continue giving the mother support -- while it was still needed.

"We would like to encourage other organisations to do the same thing during October,'' she explained.

"Often people only help the needy at Christmas, and forget about them the rest of the year.'' Ms Simmons said the woman -- who has not been named -- was chosen for adoption because one of the group members knew of her plight.

FOOD AID -- Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority show the food box they put together for a local mother. From left arepublic relations officer Ms Shanda Simmons, secretary Ms Grace Rawlins, president Dr. Norma Hendrickson, social hostess Mrs. Geraldine Lambert, member Miss Gizella Todd, and parliamentarian Mrs. Darlene Bascome Emery.