A charity wants to collect 2,000 toys as it celebrates 20 years of collecting Christmas presents for children in need.

The Coalition for the Protection of Children is partnering with HSBC Bermuda for the fifth year to spread Christmas joy through their annual Toys for Tots campaign.

The charity said it hoped this year’s event – the 20th annual toy drive – would garner at least 2,000 donations to help meet increased demand.

Kelly Hunt, the coalition’s executive director, said: “The past two years have been particularly stressful for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Unfortunately, we are still noticing significant numbers of low-income households in Bermuda that are accessing our services for basic needs and have seen an increase of 159 per cent in families since before the pandemic.

“Thankfully, Bermuda has always demonstrated its philanthropic spirit each year and helps to alleviate some of that stress over the holiday period. Now more than ever, we hope that people will support the families who need assistance.”

In addition to toys, the charity hopes to receive donations of diapers, baby formula, bulk toiletry items, utility and grocery vouchers, gift certificates, school uniforms and school supplies.

Judy Doidge of HSBC Bermuda said: “HSBC is proud to support the coalition in one of the longest-running and impactful initiatives serving our community over the holidays.

“We are excited to be a part of this 20-year milestone that offers many families a bit of relief and cheer over the holidays.

“Additionally, and for its sixth year, HSBC has committed to donate an estimated 150 grocery hampers and vouchers to families for the holidays, with HSBC volunteers also supporting the charity throughout the appeal.”

The Toys for Tots campaign launched island-wide on November 21 and will continue until December 9.

Ms Hunt added: “We look forward to working with HSBC to deliver some holiday cheer to our families again on this our 20th anniversary year of this initiative.

“The CPC continues to be grateful for the generous support from the community for the Toys for Tots programme. We would like to thank everyone who has participated in this initiative over the years.”

Donated items can be dropped off at Annex Toys, Price Rite, Gorham’s, Arnold’s Discount Warehouse, People’s Pharmacy and at the Harborview Centre, Somerset and St George’s HSBC bank branches.