Kind-hearted Fifers rally round to help vulnerable families

260 children receive food and gifts from public ‘secret Santa’

More than 260 children and their families were shown the true meaning of Christmas this year, thanks to £10,000 worth of donations from the Fife public.

Fife Gingerbread’s Heat and Eat Appeal challenged people to become secret Santas for vulnerable families to ensure every child in the region had a full stomach and a warm home for the festive season.

Donations of £5 were sought from each person – enough to cover a family meal or to heat a youngster’s bedroom during the holidays.

The charity, which supports lone parents and disadvantaged families, ensured 157 families and 263 children were helped.

Linsey Proctor, from Fife Gingerbread, said: “At this time of year, our staff recognise that a percentage of the families that we work with need a little extra support.

“Family breakdown, domestic violence, loss of income or housing instability is hard on parents and children, and Fife Gingerbread recognises that providing good memories of the festive season can last a lifetime.”

Linsey said the festive package provided by the charity included basic cupboard supplies, £20 fuel and shopping vouchers, and a selection of toys given to the most vulnerable families.

“We are delighted to tell Fife that their kindness has helped us surpass our £10,000 target,” she said.

“The response and, most of all, the kindness that people have shown us this festive season has been truly heartwarming.”

Donations included carpets supplied by Markinch firm B2B Flooring to families in dire need and cash raised by the staff and customers of various businesses across the region.

Schools all over Fife also raised money and donated goods and Cowdenbeath Community Theatre handed over £1,000 donated at their Babes In The Wood pantomime at Lochgelly Theatre.

They also provided 50 free tickets for families.

“One very special anonymous Fifer knitted beautiful toys and gifts for our children – elves, princesses and penguins with storybooks wrapped beautifully,” said Linsey.

“There were lots of wonderful gifts to give special Christmas memories.

“It should be celebrated that people who may never need our support care so much about those who do.”

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It should be celebrated that people who may never need our support care so much about those who do. LINSEY PROCTOR, FIFE GINGERBREAD

Staff from Victoria Hospital with a donation to Fife Gingerbread’s Heat and Eat Appeal.