WE had an "unbelievable" response to the Press Christmas Toy Appeal last year and we're hoping to help lots of West Fife families again this festive season.
The amount of donations handed into Dunfermline Foodbank meant they were very busy elves in the run-up to the big day, handing out gifts, food and festive treats to those in need.
We've teamed up with them again, and local businesses Dhoom, MKM Dunfermline, Tony Macaroni and Fix It at CR Smith, to try and deliver a Happy Christmas to families across West Fife.
In next week's edition you'll find a donation bag and we're asking, if you can, to pop a toy in it and take it to Dunfermline Foodbank, who will then make sure that those who are struggling the most won't go without.
It can be dropped off at their warehouse, located at unit 1C, Pitreavie Business Park, on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 4pm and 6pm.
Last year one kind-hearted couple donated £150 worth of toys as they "couldn't bear the thought of a child waking up to nothing" on Christmas morning.
That kind of generosity of spirit in West Fife communities, especially in tough times, has been truly inspirational and we're aiming to ensure the foodbank warehouse is filled with sacks full of gifts and food.
Sandra Beveridge, project manager at Dunfermline Foodbank, said: "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.”
With the cost of living crisis continuing to bite and the prospect of soaring energy bills as people try to heat their homes this winter, there will unfortunately be plenty of people who are in need of the foodbank this Christmas.
As well as the toy appeal, the foodbank would also welcome donations of food to help West Fifers who have fallen on hard times.
Dhaneshwar Prasad, the owner of Dhoom, said: “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."
Grant Loudon, branch director of MKM Dunfermline on Elgin Street, said: “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.”
A spokesperson for Tony Macaroni said: "Many families will find the upcoming festive period difficult for a number of reasons.
“That is why we have partnered with the Press to take part in this year’s toy appeal to give back to our local community and help make Christmas a bit more special for those who are currently experiencing a tough time."
And Kevin Eadie, director of operations at Fix It at CR Smith, said: "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.”
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