A preschool choir and a visit from Santa Claus helped to kick off the gift-giving season for a grief counselling and social-outreach group.

The Gina Spence Programme announced the distribution day for its 13th Christmas Gift of Giving campaign yesterday.

Gina Spence, the head of the programme, pledged to donate $75,000 worth of toys, food hampers and pharmaceutical gift cards for those in need.

She said: “At GSP, we believe that every child deserves at least one gift under the tree and every family deserve nourishing food, especially during the holidays.”

The announcement, made at the Hamilton Post Office, was signed off with Aerie’s Adventures Nursery and Preschool offering a toy donation and performances.

The youngsters were then treated to a surprise visit from Santa Claus, who promised to give them the presents if they were good.

Ms Spence said that the campaign aimed to support children, seniors and families going through “immense hardship” over the holidays.

She explained: “Across our island, many of our neighbours are navigating deep grief and instability.

“Some are grieving loved ones, some are facing divorce or a serious illness, and others are facing job loss, strokes, housing insecurity or terminal diagnoses.”

Ms Spence added: “With nearly 35 per cent of Bermuda’s residents, that’s about 21,000 people who are either underinsured or uninsured.

“Many families are left facing incredible challenges, especially during crises.”

Ms Spence said her charity received 412 applications by the close of registration last Friday, emphasising why “the gift of giving exists”.

She added that several organisations had already donated, such as Phoenix Stores, the Bermuda Post Office and Aerie’s Adventures, which is the GSP’s youngest donor.

The Right Reverend David Lambe, a bishop at the Heritage Worship Centre, said the contributions extended “beyond meeting immediate needs”.

He added: “They also reinforce that every member of our community is recognised, appreciated and supported.

“This partnership underscores our mutual dedication to strengthening and supporting families, assisting those in need and forcing hope within our community during a season that can be very challenging for many individuals.

“We value this collaboration and encourage members of our community to join with us in delivering joy, hope, love and dignity to the households throughout Bermuda.

“Together, we can achieve a tangible and lasting impact in our communities.”

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Post Office, which will also help to distribute the gifts on Saturday, threw the office’s support behind the endeavour.

She said: “As a government service that is affordable, convenient and reliable, the mission to serve the vulnerable, uplift grieving families and strengthen our communities deeply aligns with our values and vision.

“Many in Bermuda face grief, hardship and unexpected loss — and no one should have to walk that journey alone.

“Through programmes that provide essential support, toys for children, food hampers for struggling families, and resources for seniors, the Gina Spence Programme continues to transform lives with compassion and hope.”

Ms Spence said that although the donation window had closed, the charity would still accept contributions until the end of the year for its year-round programmes.

The GSP will distribute gifts on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday at the Heritage Worship Centre on Dundonald Street, Hamilton, from noon to 2pm.

The event will have entertainment, hot drinks and soup, a free kiddie land and photographs with Santa Claus.

• Those who would like to donate or volunteer for the drive can do so by visiting the Gina Spence Programme’swebsite or by calling 296-0016