PRESS readers have been praised for their "amazing" response to our Christmas Toy Appeal.

Kind-hearted West Fifers have backed this year's appeal, launched on November 17 to ensure that children in our communities in need can still get a gift this Christmas.

The appeal, backed by ExonnMobil, was launched last month and donations have been pouring in.

Sandra Beveridge, project manager at Dunfermline Foodbank, has been overseeing the donations which are currently being distributed by her volunteers.

Speaking to the Press on Monday, just three days after an eco-friendly gift bag was included in last week's paper, she said: "It's going really well and the quality of the toys we've been getting in are excellent and I'm not just saying that. It's been amazing, off the top of my head I reckon we've had about 200 bags already.

"The quality of the toys we've been getting is fantastic and as soon as they come in we're getting them out to the foodbanks as quickly as possible to get them issued to people."

While Sandra was expecting small toy donations, she has been blown away by the generosity of West Fifers.

She continued: "We even got a dolls pram with a baby in it, a scooter as well and I have a bag sitting here and it's got colouring books, pencils, a colouring kit, a board game, cuddly toys, dollies and baby toys. Honestly, it's been unbelievable. The response has been amazing and people have been really kind."

The volunteers at the West Fife foodbanks have been handing out our readers' donations since December 1 and will be continuing to give out the toys until December 23.

She added: "The volunteers just love giving out the extra stuff at Christmas anyway and they've been handing all the toys out. They just find it really rewarding, it's just a feel-good feeling and I can't describe how it would make them feel, just knowing that they're giving people food and something nice for Christmas as well."

While toys are flooding in, there is still a need for toys aimed at pre-teen kids. If you can, please support our appeal by donating a small gift and make sure that families in West Fife who are struggling this year can still give their child a gift this Christmas.

Donations can be delivered to the Dunfermline Foodbank warehouse located in Unit 1C Pitreavie Business Park on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 4-6pm.

Throughout December, the Foodbank will be open outwith these hours and readers are encouraged to call Sandra on 07580 231286 to find out when they can go along to drop off their donations.