The number of people in need of help from the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas giveaway has tripled in some areas since last year, the charity said yesterday.

Captain Kendacy Barnes said that registration numbers for the charity’s four locations around the island had not yet been finalised but it was clear the need had “soared tremendously”.

Captain Barnes added: “It’s is no secret that we have had quite a big pandemic strain over these past two years.

“Just in our registration period alone we recognised that in some locations the number of registrations in comparison to last year has tripled.

“We know Bermuda is a giving community and it’s the case that the giving has also increased. We are so thankful for the Bermuda community stepping up to meet that demand.

“The event captures community members filling the Truck of Hope with non-perishable food items and toys to help fulfil the hope of a cheerful Christmas for those in need in our community.

“Many benefit from this initiative.”

Captain Barnes was speaking as volunteers loaded up the Salvation Army’s Truck of Hope with goods, including non-perishable food items, toiletries and toys, donated by the public to help those in need at Union Square in Pembroke.

The Salvation Army’s Family Services Programme asked people in need to register in October and November.

Captain Barnes said 400 people signed up at one location alone in the first two days of registration.

A steady stream of people stopped to chat with the charity workers yesterday as they dropped off bags of donations.

The trucks were adorned with festive decorations and Christmas carols played in the background.

There were two and a half trucks loaded up with donated items by noon.

The goods will be distributed to seniors, families and others in need from December 17 to December 22.

Captain Barnes said: “Today is about collecting the donations, we have been promoting the initiative for some time now.

“After today these will go to our packing location, what we call our Santa station, where they will be sorted and placed into hampers that go out to seniors and families and the toys will go out to children.”