The Salvation Army has announced a series of events in the run-up to Christmas.

They include:

• Christmas Hamper Assistance: People can sign up from next Monday. This year, as well as the regular sign-up site next to the Thrift Store in Hamilton, two additional locations will be availabe at the West End Church in Somerset and at the Salvation Army in St George's.

The Botanical Gardens will be the distribution centre in December on a date still to be fixed. For more details, call 292-5159 or 537-6455.

• Santa Anonymous Toy Drive: Anyone who wants to donate toys should watch out for a newspaper advertisement due to appear soon.

• Food Drive: The “Fill the Truck” food drive will help families over the holiday season. It is organised by Inter Islands Communications, Magic 102 and Bermuda Hospitals Board and will be held on Friday, December 1, on Union Street.

• The Christmas Kettle Campaign: The Salvation Army called for more people to get involved in the event, named after the charity's distinctive red collection buckets, which will take place in Hamilton and at both ends of the island.

Divisional commander Major Frank Pittman said: “We are still seeking retail partners who may want a kettle stand outside of their business or organisation.

“Businesses can donate time during the day to collect at the kettle locations. This would be a big help.”

The Kettle kick-off event is at the City Hall on Thursday, November 30.