Southampton-based charity Hands of Love Ministry is asking the community for help, after running out of food vouchers to assist those in need.

The goodwill organisation, which launched in 1979, has been suffering from shortages for two months, said administrator Fern Wade.

“So many people are out of work, which means I’m dealing with more clients,” she said.

“All charities are in the same boat.

“Everyone is going from charity to charity, singing the same song.”

Hands of Love Ministry usually gives out food vouchers, ranging from $25 to $100, to roughly 200 families a month. These are donated by either individuals or businesses.

It also hands out food directly to clients and pays their electricity bills where possible.

“People either have a choice of feeding their children, keeping the lights on or paying their rent,” Ms Wade said.

“I had a cupboard full of canned foods; it’s down to four items. And I have a deep freeze which I keep for meats, and I’m down to nothing.”

Ultimately, Ms Wade would like to see a more permanent fix to Bermuda’s social worries.

“People are looking for employment.

“If you get them back to work, that will solve some of these problems,” she said.

• 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.