Now is the time to help schoolchildren whose families may not have the means of providing them with all they need for the new school term.

And the Hands of Love Ministry is leading the appeal for the 19th year as it asks for donations of school clothing, shoes, school bags and food that will assist children who come from less well-off households.

Today marks the start of the campaign to collect items that will hopefully assist up to 500 children around the Island.

When the Hands of Love first started its "school clothing drive" back in the 1980s it was able to help 60 children, but it can now reach out to many more thanks to the generosity and caring of Island residents.

It is that generosity, shown so readily in past years, that Hands of Love administrator Fern Wade is hoping to see once again as the 19th annual school clothing drive gets under way.

Shoes and clothing to fit children between the ages of five and 13 are needed. Shoes can be new or used and should be brown or black in colour. School uniforms, including such things as white or navy blue knee-length socks, are requested.

The uniforms should be cleaned and pressed, while all types of school bags and lunch boxes are also being collected by the Hands of Love Ministry in Warwick.

Hands of Love is gathering the items at its base in the former florist shop behind Bo's Lawn Equipment store on Middle Road, and will welcome any drop off donations starting today and through to the end of November.

Ms Wade is also appealing for food items that can make up lunch boxes, and food vouchers that can be redeemed at local supermarkets.

Food items can include lunch items such as tuna fish, fruit, juice boxes, snacks, bread, milk, cereal, peanut butter and jam. The Hands of Love will collect items if needed.

"Some of the supermarkets are giving us things at a good price, which is helping," said Ms Wade.

One thing that will not be needed this year is bus passes, following Government's implementation of free bus travel for children.

Ms Wade said: "We don't have to worry about bus passes, that's a huge stress point for parents not to worry about."

Cash donations can be sent to the charity's PO Box HM 3281, Hamilton HM PX. The charity can be contacted by calling 238-7368 or 238-7368.