Hands of Love Ministry aim to help 500 families this Christmas, the charity’s administrator Fern Wade has said.

They hope the public will help them to meet this goal by donating holiday gifts, food vouchers and money towards the project.

The undertaking is much greater today than when Hands of Love began assisting families. “We started out with 20 families in 1979,” she said.

The number of families requiring help has grown in recent years because of the economic downturn, she explained.

“The economy has put a lot of pressure on all charities — we have so many families we’re dealing with now.”

Ms Wade said that the list of families they assisted had been developing during the years they had provided food and gifts to those in need.

However; “In the last three years we have been dealing with people that we haven’t dealt with before.

“It’s busy, but it’s good — [doing this work is] what we’re here for.”

In other years, once the word got out that Hands of Love were launching their annual family assistance project, the public came forward with donations. This year, Ms Wade said they are looking for food vouchers and gifts for children.

“For those who are aged five to twelve, the number one gift we like to give is books — books to encourage children to read.”

In addition, socks, underwear, Barbies, footballs and trucks are all good gift suggestions. The charity also provides gifts for boys and girls who are aged twelve and above. For girls, bath products and tights are popular, Ms Wade said, adding that any gift should not cost more than about $10.

Anyone who wishes to contribute can call Ms Wade at 333-6789, or at 238-2059 after 7pm. You can also deposit donations via HSBC using the Hands of Love Ministry account number of 010 434 009 011. To send a cheque, the address is Hands of Love Ministry, PO Box HM 3281, Hamilton HM PX.