A CHRISTMAS toy appeal has been launched to help West Fife kids celebrate the season.

SHIELD Fife has been delivering food parcels, clothing and other essential items to the vulnerable in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and as Christmas approaches they want to help families feeling the pinch.

West Fifers can gift a toy but they can also donate to a community fund which will go towards paying for activities for vulnerable kids throughout the year or sponsor a pensioner to get a takeaway every week.

Sarah Keeble, the founder of the group, said: "This is all about random acts of kindness.

"People in West Fife are so generous and want to help and it so happens that we have the connections to know who could do with a bit of extra support.

"Any of us could become vulnerable at any time, never more than right now.

"We know that Christmas is going to be a hard time so people need to just come forward and ask for the help that is there."

The community fund will help pay for experiences like a coaching session with former Pars star Joe Cardle, a virtual wildlife session, horse-riding lessons and swimming lessons.

"We want people to have experiences throughout the year too, not just a gift on Christmas Day," Sarah said.

"We know that there are national campaigns for toy appeals but this one is truly local and has a bit of a twist."

During the festive season, SHIELD will also be setting up a virtual Santa grotto, they'll deliver meals to pensioners who are alone on Christmas Day, give out hampers to surprise community members and they're also about to record a Christmas song to thank everybody who has helped the successful group while spreading a little bit of joy.

Surplus toy donations will be given to Dunfermline Central Mosque to those who are vulnerable in the Muslim community during the Eid celebrations.

If you would like to respond to the toy appeal you can drop off gifts at Hugo's in Dalgety Bay or SHIELD's warehouse by contacting them.

You can donate through PayPal or bank transfer – with details provided on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shielduk.org