A campaign to spread the true spirit of Christmas is snowballing, one fire station “bursting at the seams” with donated presents.
The Fife Spirit of Christmas Appeal aims to bring joy to every child in the Kingdom by ensuring no child, however poor, goes without a present from Santa.
Despite only being launched two weeks ago the appeal already has more than 13,400 supporters on Facebook.
The campaign has been set up as an offshoot of the Glasgow Spirit of Christmas appeal and is being run by Kirkcaldy women Christine Munro, Angela Gourlay and Laura Donaldson.
Christine said: “The response has just been amazing and absolutely overwhelming and the care and attention that has been put into making up these parcels truly is something to behold.
“One example of the things being handed in is a parcel for a newborn baby with a hand-knitted shawl in it.
“I would like to thank each and every person who has either made up a box or helped in any way so far.”
The appeal is for all age groups up to the age of 18, though the appeal is lacking present boxes for boys and girls aged between one and two and between eight and 12.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has offered the use of its Fife stations as drop-off points and has already taken in hundreds of donations so far.
Methil Fire Station manager Stevie Thomson said: “We’ve dedicated a room for the present boxes but it’s already bursting at the seams, which is a reflection of people’s generosity.
“One woman came in with about 20 bags filled with really thoughtful things and other boxes have been handed in filled with lovely items such as gloves and scarves to help keep children warm this winter.
“It’s a fantastic appeal that everyone at the fire service is very proud to be part of.”
Organisations and charities which will benefit from the appeal include Fife Council’s social work department, the Cottage Family Centre in Kirkcaldy, Fife Gingerbread, Homestart Fife, Fife Women’s Aid, Family Nurture, Sacro and Fife Young Carers.
Once completed, Fifers can take their festive donations along to any full-time fire station in Fife, Rejects in Kirkcaldy and Williams McRae Solicitors in Cupar.
Fifers can also drop their boxes/bags today at the old Halfords car park near B&Q at the Carnegie Retail Park in Dunfermline between 4pm and 6pm and on Sunday at the Auchterderran Centre in Cardenden from 4pm-6pm.
Another drop-off has been organised for next Saturday at the Michael Woods Leisure Centre in Glenrothes at 10am.