Here at the Dunfermline Press we believe that every child deserves a gift this Christmas, that’s why we’ve teamed up with a number of local businesses for our annual Toy Appeal.

Anyone who would like to donate to this year's Christmas Toy Appeal can do so by dropping their gift bag, which will be included in your edition of the Press on Thursday, November 30th, off at the Dunfermline Foodbank warehouse located in Unit 1C Pitreavie Business Park on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 4-6pm.

It was a huge success last year and we are asking readers once again to dig deep and support our drive to help ensure that no kid goes without a little Yuletide magic this festive season.

Local businesses Dhoom, MKM and Fix from CR Smith have kindly stepped up to support this year's appeal.

We will be including a gift bag with copies of the Press and are asking readers, if they can, to purchase a small gift to donate.

The Dunfermline Foodbank will be accepting the gifts and distributing them to the public.

Sandra Beveridge, the project manager at Dunfermline Foodbank, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Dunfermline Press Toy Appeal this year again after the huge success of last year.

"Everyone who is referred to the foodbank during the month of December receives a gift and, in particular, the children.

"We cannot thank the people of West Fife enough for doing this for local children at Christmas time.

"No one should wake up on Christmas morning to nothing.

"The donations of toys, and food if you can, will go a long way to make many people happy this Christmas and hopefully take some stress away from the current crisis we are in.”

The appeal comes at a difficult time with the cost of living crisis stretching thin budgets even further.

The toys donated through this appeal could mean the difference between a child getting a gift this Christmas or going without.

Press editor Kevin McRoberts said: “The Press is at the heart of the West Fife community we are privileged to serve, and we want to help those in our communities who may have fallen on hard times at this special time of year.

“Last year, we were blown away by the generosity of our readers and I know that, with the community spirit that we have seen in West Fife throughout and since the pandemic, they will help those who might otherwise miss out.”

We are also asking readers to consider donating food alongside a toy, if they can.

Currently, the foodbank is in need of tinned foods including meat, fish, potatoes, vegetables, long life milk, coffee and tea, sugar, Mug Shots or Cuppa Soups, tinned macaroni or spaghetti, instant mashed potatoes, long life or diluting juice, and cheesy pasta.

Other essentials such as washing up liquid, shampoo and conditioner are also welcome.

Kind-hearted businesses come together to support the Toy Bag Appeal

KIND-HEARTED local businesses are giving their support to the Dunfermline Press Christmas Toy Appeal.

And they’re hoping readers of the newspaper will join them in making sure no child goes without a gift this Christmas.

Dhoom, the Indian ‘streatery’ on New Row, are one of three sponsors who are backing the appeal.

Dunfermline Press:

Owner Dhaneshwar Prasad said: “Especially at Christmas time, children expect something from their parents. Being a part of a community, I think it’s our responsibility to do something.

“We are completely involved with the public and this whole month we are celebrating giving back to the community. We definitely want every kid to get a toy this year.

“Any festive season, especially in this country at Christmas time, kids and their families come together and give gifts.

“Some people are homeless or can’t afford gifts, but if we can get a wee smile on their face then that’s the important thing for us.

“When I launched Dhoom, I got a hard time as a newcomer and I was struggling but the people from Dunfermline, Fife and all over Scotland, they supported me and kept me alive.

“Now we are at such a stage where we can spare a little bit from our side. This is our time to give back.

“It’s a brilliant idea to give toys. It’s a very small thing for us but for them it’s going to bring joy, happiness and a smile to their face.

“I believe this is the greatest thing the Press is doing just now, and I am really proud to be a part of the toy appeal.”

MKM Dunfermline have given their support as they want to help ensure as many local kids can wake up on Christmas morning with a smile on their face.

Dunfermline Press:

Grant Loudon, branch director of the Elgin Street business, said: “It’s about doing our bit for the local community and it’s a nice thing to do.

“We shouldn’t have kids waking up on Christmas morning with nothing. It just felt right to put a bit of funding towards this.

“Kids get excited. I’ve got three, they get excited, and you can see the joy on their faces around this time of year.

“It breaks your heart to think that there are kids there locally, not having the same joy. It’s an honour to do what we can.”

CR Smith have said they are “delighted” to continue their support of our toy appeal with Kevin Eadie, director of operations, commenting: “CR Smith has been a supporter of the Dunfermline Press Toy Appeal for a number of years and we are delighted to do so again this Christmas.

Dunfermline Press:

“We understand that Christmas can be a challenging time for many families in our local community.

“In previous years our staff have shown great generosity by donating toys and gifts and this year we are all proud to help spread some Christmas cheer to families across the region again.”