A charity set up to feed the hungry yesterday thanked the public for its support after last month’s Hurricane Humberto knocked out power and ruined its stocks of frozen food.

The Eliza DoLittle Society was forced to shut down on a temporary basis after a large stock of food was spoilt, but was able to reopen a week after its plight was highlighted in The Royal Gazette on September 27.

April Augustus, the executive director of the charity, said: “Thank you, to everyone that supported us, from the bottom of my heart — it means so much.”

Ms Augustus added: “I have not been able to thank so many people who donated, because they will humbly drop it off and leave.

“We have been more than grateful. The response was a little overwhelming. They have called, they’ve come to drop off food or to ask if we need help with volunteers. The clients have been happy.”

The society has also been given a generator to protect it against any future power cuts.

Ms Augustus said feeding hundreds of needy people a week required a constant flow of supplies and that “fingers, crossed, I hope that continues”.

Somersfield Academy in Devonshire was among the businesses and organisations that pitched into help and Rotarians ran a drive to collect non-perishable food at the school.

Ms Augustus said: “Meat products always help. But canned goods like soups, tuna fish and vegetables or corned beef are easy to shelve. Peanut butter is a big hit with kids. Cereal is always great.

“People say they feel bad when they bring just a little, but we want them to remember that the smallest donations make a big difference — don’t feel discouraged.”

To learn more, see www.theelizadolittlesociety.bm.