Hundreds of needy families in Bermuda will be able to enjoy a little festive cheer this Christmas thanks to the hard work and dedication of an army of well-wishers.

As the days pass and we begin to count down to December 25, a team of Salvation Army volunteers and staff are wrapping presents and filling hampers in a bid to ensure that nobody on the Island misses out on the fun.

Surprisingly, there will be more than 500 households in need of assistance this Yuletide.

They range from families of 12 to people on their own, from the elderly and the sick to those on low incomes.

But Janice Dill, Community and Family Services Director for the Christian charity, said no matter what the walk of life, banker or baker, if they register and qualify for help, they will receive it -- in abundance.

In a packed and busy warehouse in the heart of Bermuda, Mrs. Dill and her team of Christmas helpers are preparing to distribute the festive goodies next week.

By the time the hampers go out in mid-December, they will have distributed 920 tins of tuna, 35 bales of flour, 2,400 cans of milk, 2,400 tins of mini sausages, 11 cases of cheese, 350 turkeys, 300 chickens, 500 loaves of bread, 600 jars of jam, and sackloads of fresh fruit and vegetables, besides much more.

Each of the large hampers is worth more than $100 to the people who receive them, and provide enough food to last for days.

But for many who apply, the hampers are the only food their table will see this Christmas.

Mrs. Dill said the Salvation Army has provided Christmas assistance since its inception, and it is as needed now as it ever was.

She said: "Most of the clients we have at Christmas we serve all year around.

"But you would be surprised at the different range of people who come here, especially at this time of year. They are all ages, from different walks of life and in very different circumstances.'' The Salvation Army has a $30,000-budget for the hampers every year.

However, Mrs. Dill said it is at times like Christmas that the generosity of the Island's people really comes to the fore.

They have received dozens of food donations, and are still accepting them with open arms.

Every single item given to the food appeal, goes where it is most needed.

The hampers each contain the same kinds of foods, but anything donated is put in as extras.

She added: "We have different sized hampers, depending on the size of the family, but each one provides a full Christmas lunch, with many extras.

"Just about every one who comes here to collect their box is incredibly grateful. It is amazing to see their beaming faces.

"People should start registering to apply for a hamper from mid-October because we have to order and buy the food. It takes a lot of preparation.

"But we have had people come in on Christmas Eve just to see if we have anything to give them.

"I have seen people almost weep before when we say we can help them.'' Mrs. Dill said the best part of the Salvation Army appeal is the way it brings together the community and shows how generous people are.

Running alongside the hamper appeal, is the Santa Anonymous Appeal, which involves members of the public donating toys and clothes.

Already there are hundreds of wrapped presents piled high ready to make Christmas special for scores of youngsters.

Even yesterday, a man called the Salvation Army to donate $150 worth of clothing from a Hamilton department store.

One woman offered to pay the $240 cost of three hampers, some people offer to be responsible for families, and others donate cases of food.

"We see how generous the people of Bermuda are when we fundraise throughout the year, but at Christmas it is amazing how much people will do,'' she said.

"People genuinely want to help and give as much as they can. Any food that is brought in goes into the hampers as extras, and all of the toys and clothes will be distributed.

"It makes me feel good to see how generous people are. In fact, I feel quite humble and blessed.

"Just last week, a children's nursery donated $200 that they had raised by saving and collecting loose change. It is phenomenal. Although we pay for the hampers ourselves, the help we receive from the public is tremendous.

"Without this assistance, some people would have no food on the table or presents under the tree for their children.'' Captain Sue Fuller, of St. George's Salvation Army branch, is one of those helping to sort presents and fill hampers.

She said yesterday, "I'm from Canada and this is my first Christmas in Bermuda, and the one thing I have noticed is how generous people are here.

"It is hard work and we are very busy, but it is worth it to help people have a good Christmas.'' Minister for Health and Social Services Nelson Bascome praised the work of the Salvation Army and said because of their dedication, he hoped the festive spirit would touch everyone this Christmas.

He added: "They are to be commended on the work that they continue to provide, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

For information about donating or receiving Christmas hampers or gifts from the Santa Anonymous Appeal, call Mrs. Dill on 292-5159. All applicants must be screened first.