The spirit of Christmas is alive in Fife, with an “overwhelming” amount of presents being donated to the region’s poorest and most vulnerable families.
Despite only being set up a few weeks ago, the Fife Spirit of Christmas online appeal now has almost 15,000 members and has taken in thousands of donations for children across Fife to ensure each and every one wakes up to a present this Christmas morning.
The campaign has been run by Christine Munro and Angela Gourlay, with assistance from friends Laura Donaldson, Megan Taylor and Janice Kenny.
Over the last few weeks, residents have been invited to take their presents along to designated drop-off points at fire stations throughout Fife as well as a number of other businesses including Rejects in Kirkcaldy.
Although the number of donations is yet to be counted, the figure is thought to be around 3,000.
Christine said: “We should have an exact figure very soon but we have just been so overwhelmed with the generosity of people and the sheer volume of gifts we have received that it’s been a bit of a mammoth task to try to stay on top of everything.
“The amount of donations is definitely in the thousands though, perhaps in the region of 3,000 which is just incredible.”
“The cut-off date for public donations was December 5 and since then we have dropped off donations to many different charities, with free transportation kindly being provided by local charity Furniture Plus.
“One example is Homestart Fife, which alone received 1,000 donations, and we have also given 500 to the Cottage Family Centre in Kirkcaldy.”
Other organisations and charities which will benefit from the appeal in the run up to Christmas include Fife Council’s social work department, Fife Gingerbread, Fife Womens Aid, Barnardo’s Family Nurture, Sacro, Fife Young Carers and social work and family support teams throughout the region.
Christine said: “The response from the public has been nothing short of amazing and it’s clear a lot of love and thought has went into choosing the gifts in these parcels.
“There have been so many beautiful items handed in too many to mention, really, but perhaps the gift which really struck a chord was me was a wee parcel for a newborn baby which had a hand knitted shawl in it.
“I would like to say a big heartfelt thank-you to each and every person in Fife who has been part of this very special appeal and to all the people who have volunteered to help make Christmas special for every child in Fife.”
Because of its huge success, Christine is hoping to run the appeal again next year as part of a Scotland-wide initiative.
Further information on the Fife Spirit of Christmas campaign is available on Facebook.