A £10,000 campaign has been launched to ensure every child in Fife has a warm home and a full stomach this Christmas.
People have been urged to become a Secret Santa for vulnerable families by making a donation to Fife Gingerbread’s Heat and Eat campaign.
Businesses can also get involved in the fundraising drive.
Every penny raised will go towards ensuring children and parents have a safe, warm and happy festive season.
The Glenrothes-based charity supports lone parents and disadvantaged families and said this year’s lockdown and other coronavirus restrictions had made life more difficult for those already struggling with debt, family breakdown and domestic abuse.
Last year, staff supported 130 families with 280 children over the festive period and demand is expected to be even higher in 2020.
The charity is involved with dozens of locals in need including a single mother and four children aged between one and 12, one of whom is disabled, surviving on a low income.
It is also helping a teenage parent who is suffering from terrible anxiety after fleeing her home during lockdown due to domestic violence, and a homeless 20-year-old mother who has been sleeping on family sofas with a baby.
Strategic manager Jacqui Hardie said no child should go without the basics.
“It has been an extraordinary year for us all,” she said.
“Fife Gingerbread want to make sure that the families receiving support have a warm home and food on the table during the holidays.
“We want their children and young people to have a magical Christmas with a present to tear open as soon as they wake up.”
Jacqui pointed out fundraising would have to be different this year due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
“We won’t be able to fundraise by rattling cans, shaking hands, singing carols or hosting Christmas parties,” she said.
“We are calling for Fifers and Fife businesses to help us this year.
“Every donation received through our Heat and Eat campaign will directly benefit families in need – providing support such as funds to top up electric meters, food, essential items and small gifts.”
People can make a donation by logging on to www.justgiving.com/campaign/heat-and-eat-fife-gingerbread-2020
