When local charity Cornerstone Foundation opted to host a Christmas store last year, allowing low income families the chance to shop for their own groceries and presents at greatly reduced prices, they weren’t sure how people would respond.

Then they saw the look in a young boy’s eyes as he watched his dad pull out his wallet and pay for all the groceries and presents for the family — and knew it was a success.

“That was powerful,” said Mary Samuels, the foundation’s Vice President. “He saw his dad as a provider, not as someone who needs hand outs.

“Men actually thanked the organisers for the opportunity to shop in the store. A couple had a tear in their eye as they expressed thanks. We gave the gift of dignity.”

In years past the charity has given out gift baskets to families in need, but Ms Samuels said they decided to rethink its giving model after reading a quote that said: if you give a person something once, you elicit appreciation; while a second time will create anticipation, the third time expectation, forth time entitlement and a fifth time dependency.

On December 13th and 14th, the foundation will be inviting a hundred or so needy families to take part in its Christmas Store programme.

Many of the families have been recommended by school counsellors or family services, while others are known to the charity through its work in the community.

Ms Samuels said: “The store is unique. It gives a wonderful shopping experience. Shoppers have choices and are ultimately given the gift of dignity.

“We did hampers in years past and there is and always will be a need to give hampers and hand outs especially at Christmas, however so many people just need a hand up rather than a hand out.”

She said the store would be stocked full of bulk groceries, brand new toys, games and iTunes cards.

It will also be decorated so that attendees can get into the holiday spirit, while enjoying a hot drink and Christmas goodies.

“We have a children’s choir singing, puppets [performing] and a raffle draw after every shopping cycle,” Ms Samuels continued. “Shoppers are invited at designated time periods so the store is never overcrowded.”

Butterfield & Vallis have been a major sponsor for the store, however organisers are hoping others will also step forward to make the programme a success.

If the shop gets enough support, Ms Samuels said they would love to expand the store so they can support more families.

The foundation’s board is even looking into whether they can host a ‘Back to School’ store with the same concept, allowing parents to get more engaged in their child’s education by picking out affordable school supplies and uniforms.

Ms Samuels said there were many worthy opportunities to give to local families this Christmas season, but encouraged people to support this initiative.

“Our vision responds to poverty in a way that brings hope and dignity,” she explained. “Poverty is everywhere in the world including Bermuda and for an individual it can be both depressing and paralysing.

“Giving to support this vision will give many families that ‘hand up” that they so desperately need.”

Anyone looking for more information, or interested in becoming a sponsor, is encouraged to e-mail marysamuels@cornerstone.bm or phone 296-2598.