A charity has launched its annual drive to provide clothing and food for students ahead of the new school year.

This year is the 36th that the Hands of Love Ministry has run the initiative to help families in need.

Last year the charity was able to help more than 500 students, while this year they are hoping to help another 350. Hands of Love Ministry administrator Fern Wade told The Royal Gazette that the charity needed the public’s help to provide essentials to children in the lead-up to the new school year.

“We have certainly noticed that with the unemployment level we have in Bermuda there is an even greater need for this programme,” she said.

“At the moment we probably only have enough supplies to help around 50 students so we really need the public to help us with this initiative.

“At present we especially need backpacks, food vouchers, brown and black school shoes and also pens and pencils. We would greatly appreciate any help that anyone can give us.”

The charity’s school drive is on now until the first week of September. Hands of Love is located next to Heron Bay Primary School on Middle Road in Southampton.

• For more information telephone 333-6789 or 238-7368. Cheques can be made out to Hands of Love Ministry and mailed to PO Box HM 3281, Hamilton HM BX, Bermuda.