Fewer donations have left the Hands of Love Ministry struggling to meet an increased demand for its services.According to charity founder Fern Wade, the number of families seeking help has skyrocketed, while fewer donations are being made due to the poor economy.The charity provides clothing and food to people in need and each year holds a back to school programme to help parents outfit their children with uniforms and school supplies.“This will be our 34th year running the back to school drive,” said Mrs Wade. “I am dealing with all new families this year, families I haven’t seen before. I have a list of 400 families, so it looks like I will have to have a cut-off. We haven’t had any funds in because of the slow economic situation.”Hands of Love has already collected some supplies for needy families, but they are still looking for new or used school bags and brown or black school shoes.They also need school uniforms or gift certificates to stores that sell uniforms, plus navy blue, green or brown school socks, lunch boxes, pens, pencils, rulers and all the usual things that children need to function in school.Ms Wade said the stark reality was that the hardest thing for many parents was just feeding their children.“Food is the hardest thing they have to deal with, and we are looking for food vouchers,” she said. “You can pick them up at the MarketPlace or any supermarket.”The charity’s school drive is on now until the end of September. Hands of Love is located next to Heron Bay Primary School on Middle Road in Southampton. For more information telephone 333-6789 or 238-7368. Cheques can be made out to Hands of Love Ministry and mailed to PO Box HM 3281, Hamilton HM BX, Bermuda.