It is the time of the year for giving — and warm-hearted residents are proving the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Bermuda.

After a year in which political fighting, violent crime and contentious issues have often dominated the headlines, for the next few days attention will be focused on people from all walks of life going the extra yard to help those less fortunate then themselves.

From the five-year-old boy giving up his toys to the needy to the chefs preparing meals for the homeless throughout the four-day holiday weekend, the season of goodwill is upon us.

Yesterday hundreds of people showed up at Albuoy’s Point, where chef Michiko Campbell cooked his annual Christmas dinner for people in need.

Meals including turkey, ham, cassava pie and rice were gratefully accepted as Christmas carolers entertained the long line of people there to collect a hot meal. One man, who asked not to be named, said: “Times are still hard out there, and this time of year it only gets harder, especially if you have a family to take care of. Little things like this do a lot.

“A nice cooked meal on a cold night like tonight makes all the difference when things are rough.”

Speaking yesterday, Mr Campbell said he wanted to do something to help the community, and he was thrilled to see the reaction.

“People came right on 6pm, so we got slammed, but it’s been awesome,” he said. “Everything’s looking good, we have had a great turnout. People are being very generous with donations as well.”

Asked if he intends to continue to build the event in the coming years, he said that he was looking to potentially offer an additional event outside of the Christmas period.

“We are going to definitely figure out something, but I can say it is not going to stop,” he said.

Mr Campbell was not the only humanitarian at Albuoy’s Point.

Yu-Udai Trott Hayward, 5, set up a display offering his own toys and clothing to children who need them. Asked why he wanted to give away his own toys, he said: “Because God wants us to give things away because some people don’t have toys.”

Another Bermudian, ten-year-old Tyshon Nosakhere, no longer lives on the island, but is still aiming to make a difference for youngsters back home.

Tyshon sent presents from Florida to a Bermudian mother of three who has recently lost her apartment, after asking his mother to find a family in need via Facebook.

“He never had to suffer and he really wanted to give back,” his proud mother, Nafeesah Nosakhere told The Royal Gazette.

Also yesterday, donations of food, winter clothing, unwrapped gifts and toiletries were handed out to families at Cobb’s Hill Methodist Church, Warwick, as part of the Free Food Bermuda 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway.

On Christmas Day tomorrow, Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church will host its traditional luncheon for those people who may otherwise not be able to enjoy a festive meal.

The menu, prepared by the church’s gourmet committee, will consist of traditional Christmas fixings, with vegetarian options, followed by an array of holiday desserts. “This is the spirit of Christmas,” said Sydney Gibbons, the senior pastor of the church.

“Despite the continuous downturn on the island, with jobs being made redundant, consequently resulting in unemployed, we still have a responsibility to the community at large, particularly during this special time of year.

“We worship and serve a loving God, who has mandated us to help our fellow man and what better day and time than Christmas. So, please come and join us as we celebrate the season of giving.”

The event will take place from noon until 4pm at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Youth Centre, behind the church on King Street. Volunteers or anyone wishing to reserve a space should call 292-4276.

Before the festive season winds down, Regina Peniston will be cooking for the poor from a stand outside Jamaican Grill on Court Street on Boxing Day.

“I’m so grateful that I’m able to do it,” Mrs Peniston, who is hosting the event for the tenth time, told this newspaper yesterday.

“It always a happy and joyful occasion, and a lot of fun.”

Mrs Peniston’s event takes place from 2pm to 7pm. Call her on 703-0976 to assist.