The annual “Adopt a Family for Easter” scheme for the support of vulnerable families is launching this month, the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council announced on Friday.

The initiative, which helps lower-income families celebrate Easter by providing essentials, has helped 13,500 families in the past seven years, head Elias Demetriou said in a written announcement.

These difficult times because of the pandemic have affected many families, he added. “Let us not forget our fellow human beings in need of our help, by donating whatever we can to support vulnerable families and spread the joy of the Resurrection”.

Anyone can donate, from people, families, municipalities and local communities to educational institutions, government and semi-government bodies and NGOs.

Easter essentials will be accepted including food, treats, chocolate eggs, Easter candles, supermarket or shop vouchers or anything else that might suit the occasion.

Donations will be open from April 5 to 23 and collected by volunteer teams in all districts at the locations below.

In addition, families in need are urged to contact their local volunteer teams for more information on receiving aid.

Eastern Easter is on May 2.

Nicosia: 11 Soudas Street, Strovolos 22512602

Limassol: 14 1 April Street, Ayia Phyla 25737761

Larnaca: 23 Kitheronos Street 24650525

Paphos: 46 Aristoteli Savva Street, Anavargos 26953725

Famagusta: 21 Georgiou Katsiari Street, 5320 Liopetri 99124521

Kyrenia: 97743185

Vasiliko Cement Works, 7738 Vasiliko, 24 845 555