Charitable donations from large companies have been hit by the economic recession, according to the Island's Salvation Army.

The charity is currently co-ordinating its annual Christmas drive from temporary headquarters at the Botanical Gardens.

It aims to help individuals or families in need celebrate the holidays in a number of ways such as through the donation of gifts or food.

But according to the Salvation Army the organisation is seeing a downturn in donations from the Island's larger companies and at the same time seeing an increase in the number of white-collar families seeking help.

The trend was first identified by this newspaper in October and the Salvation Army's Major Doug Lewis said yesterday that while evidence was still anecdotal, he had personally noticed a change in the profile of those coming to the Salvation Army for help.

"The average age is lowering," he said. "We are seeing a lot more younger single men, 30-somethings who you would think would be working."

He said there was also a growing number of larger extended families seeking help as rent and costs of living increase, people are taking their children and moving in with their parents or grandparents.

"There are many generations living under one roof," Major Lewis added. "Grandparents, their children and grandchildren."

According to Major Lewis, the registration process that must be completed by all those seeking to participate in the Christmas programme has already revealed an increase in numbers compared to last year.

The economic downturn is also being blamed for a decrease in charitable contributions from large companies.

"Toy giving is down from exempt companies," said Lynn Gordon, the Family Services Manager at the Salvation Army who is also in charge of coordinating the Christmas drive. "It is understandable that some have cut back this year."

At least one local company, Cold Snap Services Ltd., run by husband and wife team Jennifer and Carl Roberts, has bucked this trend however.

All eight company employees headed to the Botanical Gardens to spend four hours decorating the Army's distribution centre on Monday.

"We were trying to do the right thing and help out at Christmas," Ms. Roberts said. "Everybody had a good time. We hope to be back next year."

The Bermudian public also continues to be generous with its donations.

"The public is still giving at about the same rate as usual," she said. "People are very generous in their giving, both time and money," Ms. Gordon added.

One such person is newly recruited Salvation Army volunteer, Aishah Muhammed.

"I am always looking to give my time to somebody," she said. "I certainly intend to be a regular volunteer."

Even before becoming involved with the Salvation Army Ms. Muhammed tried to help out where she could.

"Last year I collected 17 gifts for boys and girls, wrapped up every one and took it to the Bank of Butterfield."

Of her motivation to volunteer she said: "I may not go home rich in dollars, but I certainly go home richly satisfied knowing that I have helped someone."

Family Services Pantry Overseer Sandy Gibbons recently progressed from being a volunteer to now working full-time for the Army.

Jokingly, she said that her favourite aspect of the job was the short working day.

More seriously, she described how she enjoyed dealing with people even though she admitted that sometimes it was difficult. "I take care of the needy, that's what I do," she said.

Major Lewis added: "When people register we give them toys based on age-group, they are given food and we give them grocery vouchers.

"Plus we give them a turkey, chicken or ham depending on the size of the family,"

They will be accepting donations of non-perishable foods and toys at their Botanical Gardens centre until December 17. Gifts or donations suitable for infants (such as diapers or other baby supplies) or for older children (gift vouchers and certificates tend to be most appreciated) would be particularly helpful.

Anybody donating a gift is asked not to wrap it but rather put it in an unsealed gift bag each item has to be individually inspected prior to distribution and unwrapping and rewrapping is a time-consuming process.

Volunteers who would like to help with serving the Christmas dinner for the homeless are also welcome to get in touch.

Lionel Cann, community service worker for the Salvation Army and organiser of the Christmas dinner said: "They don't do anything. They just sit. We serve them. It's their day."

The dinner, usually sponsored by ACT, with turkeys donated by Rayclan, will take place at 5.30 p.m. tomorrow at the Salvation Army building, on North Street opposite Dellwood Middle School.

Full Christmas dinners including turkey, ham, stuffing and all the trimmings are usually served to more than 100 people.

Presents will also be distributed to those who arrive early, with the Army dedicating about $500 to gift buying. Donations to this fund are welcome.

For further information about donating or volunteering, contact Lynn Gordon at 29-SANTA (297-2682).

FACTFILE

In 2007, as part of their Christmas Drive during the month of December the Salvation Army helped:

* 800 families

* 400 families referred from Government

* 1,956 children who received toys

* 2,400 adults also received gifts