A Christmas collaboration is set to benefit Bermuda with food gifts for those who need it most.

The Lions Clubs of Bermuda will team up with the MarketPlace group to launch their 38th annual Share the Christmas Spirit Programme.

It will take place at The MarketPlace in Hamilton on Thursday at 11am with the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, blessing the programme, and entertainment from the St David’s School Choir.

A Lions Club spokesman said: “For 38 years, the incredible generosity of the Bermudian community and our valued partners has helped thousands of families and seniors experience a brighter Christmas.

“With the rising cost of living putting pressure on households across our island, many families and seniors face the tough reality of stretching budgets to cover proper, nutritious food every day.

“Behind every single request for a hamper is a neighbour who deserves support, dignity and the comforting reassurance that Bermuda truly cares.

“No family should have to face hunger in silence, and no family requesting a hamper should ever be turned away because we lack the resources to help.”

“This year, our goal is to provide 1,000 healthy lifestyle food hampers, fully customised to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, and we need Bermuda's collective help to make this happen.”

Residents are urged to make a difference by donating non-perishables, which can be dropped off at specially decorated collection bins at MarketPlace locations across the island.

People making donations were assured that all funds go directly to essential groceries for the healthy hampers.

For secure banking details, e-mail lionsclubsofbermuda@gmail.com.

Tag days are set for November 26 and 28 at The MarketPlace and other designated locations island-wide.

The Lions Club spokesman added: “We are not asking one person to carry this burden alone; we are asking our entire community to share in the solution.

“Your extra support this year will make an immediate, life-changing difference. Your generosity will put nutritious food on a family’s table, ease a senior’s burden and reassure someone struggling quietly in our community.”

The group thanked schools that have partnered with the collection drive and said the school that brought in the most donations would be presented with an engraved plaque.