Kind-hearted Fifers are being urged to bring joy to every single child in the Kingdom by ensuring every little one, no matter how poor, wakes up to a present this Christmas.
The Fife Spirit of Christmas campaign has been set up as a subsidiary of the Glasgow Spirit of Christmas appeal by Kirkcaldy women Christine Munro and Angela Gourlay with the aim of collecting as many shoeboxes filled with presents to deliver to needy families across the region by Christmas Eve.
In just two weeks, both appeals have attracted more than 9,000 supporters keen to bring Christmas cheer to the nation’s poorest families.
Legal secretary Christine, 47, said: “The Glasgow appeal was launched by my good friend Julie Griffin and when we heard about it, we thought it would be a good idea to set one up in Fife too.
“The Glasgow page has over 3,500 supporters and the Fife page currently has more than 6,500 which is just amazing.
“We have been simply overwhelmed by the response and the generosity of people and have taken in a lot of donations already.”
Another lady, Laura Donaldson has also volunteered to help Christine and Angela and has organised a talk which took place about the appeal at Lochgelly High School, where she works.
Christine, a mother-of-two, said that if every supporter on Facebook donated just one box each it would make a real difference to many poor families living across Fife who cannot afford to buy their children presents for a variety of reasons.
“The ultimate aim of the appeal is to make sure every single child in Fife wakes up to a present on Christmas morning.
“We are asking people to recognise the sad reality that one in five children is living in poverty across Scotland and to remember that giving is the true spirit of Christmas.
“Imagine walking up as a child on Christmas Day to no toys, gifts or a hot meal. Now imagine that child’s sadness turn into happiness thanks to one simple act of generosity.
“Preparing a shoe box Christmas gift is a great way to get everyone, adults and children involved in the spirit of giving.”
People can fill boxes with items such as treats, gloves, toys, teddies and games and each gift box will be delivered to children throughout Fife, up to the age of 16, who would otherwise not receive any presents this Christmas.
Charities which will benefit from the appeal include The Cottage Family Centre in Kirkcaldy, Fife Gingerbread, Homestart Fife, Fife Womens Aid and Fife Young Carers.