Lionesses drive to fill 300 hampers for the needy is a shocking indictment of the Bermuda community.

Bermudians have traditionally given much to those who are less fortunate, especially at times like Christmas. It is not clear why the response has been so paltry so far this year, but it does not say much that is good about Bermudians.

There has been a great deal of coverage in this newspaper and elsewhere about people in the community who are struggling to make ends meet.

Some are unable to help themselves, others have fallen on hard times and need temporary help, and yes, some are probably just plain lazy and irresponsible.

Nonetheless, it still adds up to a society where, despite Bermuda's success and wealth, still too many people are unable to find adequate housing or can feed and clothe themselves or their children.

It is equally shameful that the poor only seem to get attention at Christmas; it should go without saying that the less fortunate deserve support throughout the year and, to use the current catch phrase, society should be giving those who face hard times a hand-up, not a hand-out.

But it is also true that Christmas tends to be the hardest time for people in need. Parents feel the need to give their children a warm bed, a good meal and a gift regardless of whether they can afford it. Children, bombarded with consumer messages from all sides, have great expectations for Christmas.

That these cannot all be met is tragic. But the community can do much more to give those in trouble some help. Filling 300 hampers is not much to ask in a society of 60,000. Making Christmas a little less bleak for those who are struggling is a great reward.

SAFETY FIRST EDT Safety first This may be the season for goodwill, but it also tends to be the season for impaired driving, violent crime and depression.

Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox is right to call on the community to take sensible precautions against crime and to urge people not to drink and drive.

If Christmas is traditionally a time of happiness and joy, violent attacks as occurred over the weekend, burglaries or serious accidents are sure guarantees to make Christmas miserable.

So people should look out for their neighbours and friends by not driving if they have had too much to drink, making sure their homes and vehicles are properly secured and try to keep control of their tempers in stressful situations.

In that vein, Elbow Beach deserves credit for laying on taxis to take their employees home after their Christmas party; more businesses should do the same.