Not every child on the Island will be going back to school with new clothing or pens and pencils, some will have parents who cannot afford to give their child a bus pass, or even struggle to feed them an adequate breakfast or send them off with a lunch box.

Last year the Hands of Love Ministry was able to help 700 families facing such need, thanks to generous donations from other Islanders. This year Hands of Love is hoping it may be able to provide help for up to 800 families if enough good people show their willingness to offer what they can.

Group founder Fern Wade has launched the 18th annual school clothing drive, making an appeal for school clothing and equipment, such as pens, pencils and rulers as well as food vouchers and school bus passes.

On the clothing side, it can be re-cycled school uniforms that are washed, cleaned and ironed. Shoes of all sizes are needed, as are knee high navy blue and white socks and shirts.

Mrs. Wade said: "We need 150 school bags, 150 lunch boxes, 100 school passes. People can buy food vouchers from MarketPlace and have them made out to Hands of Love Ministry and we will collect them or they can deliver them."

Juice boxes are also required and simple cash donations can be made by writing out a cheque to the Hands of Love Ministry and sending it to PO Box HM 328, HM PX.

The success of the school clothing drive can be seen in the rise in families that can be helped each year. When it was first launched 18 years ago Hands of Love managed to assist 60 families.

Mrs. Wade said: "We are going to try and help 800 families this year. People have always been good at giving. I've been doing this for 30 years and I'm not tired of it. It is still very much needed with the situation as it is today, not everyone is earning $100,000."

Donations of clothing should preferably be taken to the Hands of Love building at Camp Hill Road, Southampton.