US Customs officers gave more than 250 lbs of food to the Salvation Army in aid of needy families.

The US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with the help of the Bermuda Police Service, HM Customs, the Department of Civil Aviation, the Department of Airport Operations and the airport screeners, collected 270 lbs of food for the charity's family services division, which helps 120 families.

Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Doug Lewis said yesterday: "You have shown through the collection of food items that people still care for our brothers and sisters who find themselves less fortunate than ourselves. This kind donation will go a long way in giving hope to someone today."

The effort was inspired by US President Barack Obama's 'United We Serve' campaign, which encourages Americans to get involved in community service. In the US, CBP groups raised 41,000 lbs of food this year.