Gifts and grocery vouchers will be handed out to 500 seniors across the island as part of an annual Christmas celebration next month.

Carol Clarke will be hosting the charitable Seniors’ Appreciation Party at her North Shore residence in Pembroke on December 5 from 10am to noon.

Ms Clarke has been hosting the festive event for more than 20 years and in recent years has worked in tandem with Bermuda Overseas Missions.

The theme of this year’s party is Stars and Poinsettias and will be held as a drive-through event for the third year running.

Ms Clarke, who received the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour Award in 2011 for "giving selfless service to the community and to seniors in particular, over many years“, said: ”Are you a star? Whatever you do reach for the stars and undoubtedly you will reach the mountains.

“It takes much prayer, much planning and many, many supporters to make this event happen.

“Please be advised we operate by standing orders only – this event is not a first come, first served venture – the seniors for this year’s event have already been selected.

“Gifts are going out to 500 seniors who will also get their grocery gift cards. Only one vehicle can come per senior to pick them up and they have all been given specific times to come. There will be a service for special attendees at 9.30am.

“A good time will be had by all and there will be a special guest in attendance. Thank you to everyone who has supported this venture.”

Ms Clarke first became involved in the parties in 1998 when they were hosted at Admiralty House in Pembroke with the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton. Ms Clarke was the first Black woman to be president of the organisation.

She left the Kiwanis Club in 2012, but continued to organise the parties.

In 2015, she joined forces with the Bermuda Overseas Missions.

The mission’s president, David Thompson, said in 2018: “I commend Carol to everyone as a role model and if anyone did half as much charitable work as she does the world would truly be a better place.”