Fifers have handed over hundreds of pounds worth of toiletries to help people living in poverty.
A charity campaign spearheaded by Kirkcaldy woman Cara Forrester, in association with Beauty Banks, at the end of October led to a huge outpouring of generosity across the region.
Thirty local businesses, OnFife venues and other local organisations served as donation points and products began flowing in.
Cara, editor of online magazine Queendom of Fife, said the response had been overwhelming.
“It’s been all hands on deck to make sure donations are passed to charities as soon as possible,” she said.
“I have donated three full car loads to the Kirkcaldy Foodbank this week alone.
“The donations I’ve handed over – 30-odd bags and four boxes – came from local businesses, including Paywizard, Changes, the Secret Garden Rooms, Mind and Body Studio and Balwearie High School.”
She said the Lang Toun Joggers had collected a whopping 25kg between them and other donations had been taken directly to Glenrothes Foodbank and Fife Women’s Aid.
“In total, the Dunfermline area collection points – including Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Happy Earth Place, Lochs Café and other generous Fifers – have collected 243.5kg since the campaign started,” she said.
“There are actually so many people to thank that I am concerned I forget someone so I’m sorry to anyone I’ve not managed to mention here.
“I’m just so grateful for the outpouring of support from the local community.
“I want to say to anyone who has donated, spread the word, helped me collect donations, organised a collection at their place of work, had any involvement at all, thank you so very, very much.
“The kindness and generosity will make a difference and give people living in hygiene poverty dignity and support.”
During the campaign, people were encouraged to buy an extra toiletry item when they were at the shops and then hand it in to one of the collection points.
Beauty Banks is a national charity that believes being clean is a basic human right rather than a luxury.
It supports those living in poverty by providing personal care and hygiene products to organisations such as homeless shelters, foodbanks, refuges and high schools.
