Donations to outfit school students in need have continued to pour in following an appeal by a small local charity.The Back to School initiative, by the Bermuda chapter of A Lott of Sista Love, was featured in this newspaper last week when they gave out supplies to parents.Since then, donations to provide school uniforms and other essential supplies are still coming in. Coordinator Barbara Thomas said: “Two exempt companies and a local construction firm stepped up immediately. Another company shipped in a special order of knapsacks, water bottles and lunch kits just for this initiative; everything is a great help.“I just feel truly blessed and amazed at the giving spirit of the people of Bermuda from all walks of life, people who in some cases are also struggling themselves. There was also a collective donation from the Glasford family that included food vouchers for groceries in addition to school supplies.”The charity has a list of 120 people it assists annually, that number has increased in recent months due in part to unemployment. “One single mother with three young children on our list was made redundant on the same day we handed out the care packages for each family,” said Ms Thomas.Each family assisted received gift certificates for school uniforms, shoes and sneakers in addition to grocery vouchers plus basic school supplies.“I’m impressed that there are still so many people in Bermuda who will give to assist families in desperate need. Now we’re gearing up to assist others during the Christmas holiday.”Ms Thomas also issued a big thank you to members of the community who chipped in to support A Lott of Sista Love’s efforts.“By your giving we were able to purchase additional uniforms, shoes and food vouchers so that each family will at least have juices, fruit, snacks and breakfast items for the month of September. It moves me so much to see that there are still people in this world who have caring hearts and for that we thank you,” said Ms Thomas.Another charity that offers second-hand clothing, including school uniforms and goods to raise funds has seen steady growth in sales due to the economic climate.Uniforms go as cheap as $2 at the Barn on Spring Road in Devonshire, near the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute. The proceeds raised support the hospital’s Pink Café and Gift Shop run by the Hospital Auxiliary of Bermuda.General manager Nancy Oughton said at least 30 school uniforms were sold.The Barn opens only three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.l For more information or to make a donation, e-mail alosbermuda@yahoo.com.