Charity A Lott of Sista Love was set up only a couple of weeks ago and has already made an impression on the community.A back-to-school drive it organised provided supplies for the coming year for 50 students.It’s the tip of the iceberg as far as the charity’s goals. Their hope is to do “whatever it takes” to help those in the community who are in need.“As I reflect on our just-completed school drive we realise that there is such a great need for assistance in Bermuda, not only for our children, but for the family as a whole,” said the charity’s coordinator Barbara Thomas.“Poverty is not just a lack of food, clothing or housing, it is also a state of mind. We, as an organisation, aim to empower people to look beyond their present state and find ways to better themselves and to move forward.“Our goal is to do whatever it takes that is in our power to assist our brothers and sisters [to] achieve their goals and reach their individual destiny.”A Lott of Sista Love’s mandate is to empower women to reach their full potential.The charity was developed based on the principles of an American organisation after which it is named. Monica Sanders founded A Lott of Sista Love in North Carolina as an international non-profit women’s empowerment organisation.The charity provides support for single, married and divorced women and also mentors girls between the ages of ten and 17.The Bermuda group decided to hold its school drive after listening to concerns expressed by several mothers. Many were worried they would not have the cash to purchase supplies for their kids.Specific children in need were brought to A Lott of Sista Love’s attention by social workers, foster parents and parents.Friends, family and colleagues gave generously, donating book bags, crayons, notebooks, pens, lunch kits, thermos, water bottles and other necessary items. Digicel Bermuda also lent its support.“Digicel Bermuda has just donated 25 lunch boxes, knapsacks, pencil cases, books and calculators,” said Ms Thomas.“I also received donations from people that I have never met before, as the back-to-school flyer was well-circulated.“[Our] ministry is so touched by the generosity of people. They even went as far as giving me suggestions as to how to improve for our drive next year.”The charity is now looking for new members to help them with their work.For more information visit www.alottofsistalove.org, e-mail aloslbermuda[AT]yahoo.com or leave a message on 504-2290.