Residents are being asked to help fill Christmas gift baskets to give to a charity supporting Bermuda’s young people.

One Communications will donate everything from non-perishable food items to clothing and toiletries to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Frank Amaral, CEO of One Communications, said: “Big Brothers Big Sisters does an incredible job helping our young people and, in return, we wanted to support its work.

“As an added incentive to get people to donate, One Communications will enter all the donors into a draw to win one of two iPad Air tablets.”

People are being asked to leave donations at any of One’s store locations across the island, including the Payment Centre on Victoria Street. Children who will benefit are aged between five and 18 years old.

One Communications will also pitch in with staff donations as well as the delivery of the gift baskets before Christmas Eve.

According to its website, “BBBS Bermuda is a mentoring programme dedicated to helping children and youth, primarily from single parent homes, realise their potential by facilitating the development of long-term one-to-one relationships”.

The charity says that research has shown that youth matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are 52 per cent more likely to stay in school, 46 per cent less likely to use drugs, and 32 per cent less likely to engage in acts of violence.

Patrina O’Connor, managing director at BBBS, said: “There are many people that are struggling to get the bare necessities in Bermuda.

“We are very grateful to the management and staff of One Communications for helping to meet the needs of the families represented in our programme. On behalf of our Littles and their families — thank you.”