The head of a charity has observed an increased need for help in the community during the holiday season.

During an event at the former TN Tatem Middle School yesterday, Gina Spence, founder and chief executive of Gina Spence Productions, attributed this increase to the continued economic effects of Covid.

She said: “We go back to work, and it seems like things are OK and normal, but then you are working, but things are not getting any better.

“During the pandemic, many people went into debt and many are still paying that debt.

“We have heard it from our legislators, businesses and individuals that things are hard.”

Recognising this need, Ms Spence highlighted GSP’s annual Christmas Gift of Giving campaign, which provides toys to children, healthy-food hampers to needy families and pharmaceutical gift cards to seniors.

According to Mykiee Jones, chief operating officer for GSP, more than $20,000 has been raised since donations for this year’s initiative started being accepted last month, but the goal is $75,000.

Ms Jones highlighted a free event on Saturday that will also raise awareness for the programme.

People can take photographs with Santa, win free raffle prizes, receive complimentary soup and hot chocolate and be entertained by deejay Young Si during Saturday’s event, which will take place from 3pm to 4pm, also at the old TN Tatem school.

Ms Jones added: “Our endeavour is to create a warm and family-friendly atmosphere for our community.”

According to Ms Spence, a contribution from the Bermuda Post Office has ensured that every child on the campaign’s list this year will receive a Christmas present.

She said: “We were not able to do our toy drive this year, as Terceira’s service stations, who usually help us with that, were not able to do it and are instead doing a round-up for us this year.

“The Bermuda Post Office family graciously stepped up to the plate, and we want to thank them for ensuring that the children who have registered and were successful will have a toy in their hand this Christmas.”

Postmaster-General Samuel Brangman said it is an “honour to share in the ongoing efforts of GSP to lift the spirits of the community through this campaign.

“We applaud and support GSP in providing much needed assistance to our seniors, children and at risk families, and we are pleased to use our delivery platforms and our dedicated and loyal staff members to help share the message of service and responsibility.”

Also thanking individuals for their support, Ms Spence said: “It is your donations, no matter how big or small, that make the difference. Simply put, we could not do it without you and your support.

“We are asking each household to give a donation of $25. If there are five people in your house, everybody can give $5 and you can contribute to many others who may not have at all.”

• To donate to the campaign, visitginaspenceproductions.com or call 296-0016. People can also transfer funds to HSBC account 002-051928-001, or Butterfield account 0601613480018 with the memo CGCOG