Santa will be able to deliver presents to nearly 900 of Fife’s most vulnerable youngsters thanks to the generosity of Courier readers.
With just a week to go until the deadline for donations, the trustees of the Gift of Christmas Appeal Fife put out an SOS last week, fearing they would not have enough gifts to satisfy demand.
Almost 900 needy youngsters had been nominated to receive a gift, a rise of around 100 from 2017.
The appeal’s trustees, Kate Hope, Sarah Brown, Hilary Haman, Charlotte Lever and Lee Miller, made their 11th hour plea for presents in The Courier as their warehouse stood empty and many of the drop-off points had yet to receive a single gift bag.
The Fife public responded in style, with a huge amount of donations pouring in over the last few days from drop-off points and through the team’s Amazon wish list.
A delighted Kate said: “The warehouse is looking very full now.
“We will certainly be meeting the required numbers in all of our age groups.
“We have received some amazing donations from members of the public – it is overwhelming to see the generosity of those who have donated.”
The trustees, all parents who give up a large chunk of their own time at Christmas, have been joined by 14 volunteers.
Kate said it they would have found it very difficult to continue with the appeal this year if it had not been for their hard work and commitment.
And she said the agencies involved in ensuring the gifts are distributed to youngsters, including the NHS, Fife Young Carers and Women’s Aid, would also be overwhelmed by the show of generosity.
“There is a massive amount of work involved in organising the appeal, which is done entirely by volunteers and goodwill, but we couldn’t do it at all without the support of the donating public,” she said.
“As per last year when our difficulties with donations appeared in The Courier we have had an influx of donations.
“We are very grateful to all of the readers who have supported us again this year.”
Kate said the need for Christmas cheer had never been greater, with child poverty spiralling, the cost of living rising and benefits being cut.
“These are real families, real children, real situations,” she said.
“If the public were aware of the poverty and deprivation which exists in Fife, particularly over Christmas, they would be shocked.”
