community.

The Hands of Love Ministry has been operating on Camp Hill, Southampton, for barely a month, but founder Fern Wade said the one-room headquarters is already "bursting at the seams.'' "We need a bigger place, of course,'' she told The Royal Gazette . "We do have somewhere else, but we really can't say where until the new year.'' Mrs. Wade said the charity would maintain both the Camp Hill depot and the new station. She hopes to have an outlet in every parish.

Despite the overwhelming response in donations -- the charity has been forced to stop accepting clothing until January -- Mrs. Wade said there is still a need for financial donations.

"We don't have any money,'' she said. "We operate on faith.'' The charity currently pays rent for the Government-owned building, but the new premises -- which are twice as large -- will be rent free, she said.

And to help those less fortunate celebrate the holiday season Hands of Love will be holding its seventh annual Christmas dinner for the homeless on December 12.

The group is aiming to give 350 to 400 people turkey, macaroni and cheese, Spanish rice, vegetables, dessert, and drinks from 1 to 4 p.m. next to the Jamaican Grill on Court Street.

"We're also doing a "Shoebox of love'' -- a special treat for the men and women on the street,'' said Mrs. Wade.

She is making an appeal for members of the public to fill boxes with two bars of soap, two face clothes, a towel, talcum powder, and deodorant.

The boxes can be dropped off at the Camp Hill depot.

And although clothing will not be accepted until next year, canned and boxed food, and furniture donations are still welcome.

In January, the annual blanket drive will be held and Mrs. Wade hopes to distribute some 650 blankets to needy people.

The Camp Hill depot is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone wishing to send financial donations by mail can send them to: Hands of Love Ministry, P.O. Box HM 3281, Hamilton, HM PX.

Or Mrs. Wade can be contacted at Camp Hill at 238-7368 or at home at 238-2059.