A charity dedicated to helping grieving families today set an $80,000 donation goal to help young pupils ahead of their first day of school.

Gina Spence-Virgil said her charity’s Each One Reach One drive raised about $40,889 since its launch two weeks ago.

She said about 400 children had signed up for the Gina Spence Productions campaign, all of whom she believed could be served before her giveaway at the end of the week.

Ms Spence-Virgil added: “If just 261 people give $150, together we can get across the finish line.

“With a population of over 60,000 people, I believe together we can reach our fundraising goal.”

She said: “Bermuda, will you be one of 261 people to give to this campaign to ensure that our children are dressed for educational success?

“Do you believe in education? Do you believe in children? Do you believe in emotional wellness?”

The Each One Reach One, done with the assistance of Gibbons Company, has assisted more than 12,000 children in need over 14 years.

Ms Spence-Virgil said donations brought in more than 1,000 backpacks, 700 first day starter kits and 2,000 pieces of school clothing.

Ms Spence-Virgil said a new school uniform went beyond having clothes but brought “dignity, confidence, belonging and a fresh start”.

She added that families who came for a uniform could also receive grief support and resources if needed.

Ms Spence-Virgil explained: “Our children are carrying so much — some are navigating grief and loss, family separation, divorce, incarceration, unemployment, financial hardship, housing instability, violence and community trauma.”

Ms Spence-Virgil said the cut-off date for donations was Friday, though she added she would accept donations until the end of the month to help those still in need after the giveaway.

She reminded the public that no amount was “too big or too small”.

Tony Thompson, the chief executive officer of Gibbon’s Company, said those who made donations to Each One Reach One through the store would receive a coupon for 20 per cent off in-store purchases.

The coupon would be valid until the end of the month.

Mr Thompson said he understood the importance of a reliable school uniform.

He explained: “I’m a child of Bermuda as well — I went to Dellwood and I went to Berkeley.

“I know how important it was having a new school uniform and a backpack was for the first day of school.

“It gives a lot of confidence and we want to make sure that we give back and we can make our students feel the exact same way on their first day of school.”

Mr Thompson added: “It’s been our pleasure at Gibbon’s Company to assist you guys for the last 14 years and I hope for another 14 years on top of that.”

The supplies will be handed out during a giveaway on Saturday at CedarBridge Academy in Devonshire between noon and 2pm.

Donations can be made at the charity’s website, gspchairty.com, or by calling its office at 296-0016.