A back-to-school drive has shared its success stories as the charity appealed for a final burst of help.

The Gina Spence Programme, which has reached its last stretch of fundraising before a distribution day of uniforms and school supplies this Saturday, called on the community to help reach its goal of $80,000 for children in need as the beginning of the school year approaches.

More than 400 children have been confirmed for GSP’s assistance in tandem with the Gibbons Company department store, with others expected to walk in on the day.

Gina Spence-Virgil, the programme’s founder, said: “Bermuda, we are five days from our fundraising deadline and we’re halfway there.

“The finish line is in sight but we can’t do it without you.

“This is a clarion call to our faith community, international business, local businesses, individuals, groups and the community at large.

“I’ve seen the difference a fresh, clean uniform can make in a child’s spirit. Their shoulders straighten up, their smiles widen and for a moment they feel like they truly belong.

“That’s what you’re giving.”

Mykiee Jones, the executive director of the programme, said: “The need is clear — outfitting a child for just one week of school costs roughly $800 to $1,000. An amount that is out of reach for far too many families.

“That’s why our campaign is built around the first-day starter kit valued at $150.”

The kit, with basic clothing and a backpack, ensures that a child “can walk into school on day one with confidence”, Ms Jones added.

Ms Spence-Virgil said: “We have, through the years, seen people come and go.

“We know we’re having an impact because some of those people who were once beneficiaries have come back to donate their time.

“They say, ‘You guys have helped us over these years — we want to come back and give back’.

“I don’t think there’s a more important reality when someone you’ve helped can stand on their own two feet.”

She added: “We have had some people having to deal with very serious circumstances.

“We all know the moment an incident happens in your life, whether a road fatality, a terminal illness, loss of job or a cut in pay — with all of those things, your financial standing changes.”

Ms Spence-Virgil recalled being approached on a recent walk through Hamilton by a youngster grateful for the support.

“We had a 5-year-old say ‘thank you so much for helping my mommy’,” she recalled.

“Those stories and responses mean the world to us.”

She said: “We just attended graduations this year and we have clothed some of these children from preschool. Now we’re seeing them walk across with their high school certificate.

“One mom said to us, ‘you guys need to stand with me, because getting them to school was my challenge as a parent; helping them get ready for school is what you did for us’.

“What words can outdo that? That’s the reality of the work that we do.”

She added: “Friday is the deadline to donate but people continue to give.

“The reality is we service children all year round. After the summer uniform comes winter. We have our champions that we’re also serving.”

Tony Thompson, Gibbons Company’s chief executive, thanked the charity and its volunteers.

He said: “This is our thirteenth year. We’re super excited and hope for another 13 more years on top of that.”

Mr Thompson said a school uniform was “more than just clothing — it’s a symbol of readiness, confidence and belonging”.

He added: “Together, we provide both new and gently used uniforms to children in need across Bermuda, thanks to the generosity of our community.

“Year after year, we remain dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to step into the classroom feeling prepared and supported.”

Donors can give $150 towards the first-day kits and volunteers are needed to help with distribution.

Gently used uniforms can be dropped off at the Gibbons children’s department by Wednesday, with each donor receiving a $10 store voucher for every $50 spent.

Visit gspcharity.com or call 296-0016 to donate or volunteer time for the campaign.