THE volunteers that have made the Santa Benarty initiative such a massive success over the past two years are hoping that the public will again back them this Christmas.

The Santa Benarty idea was hatched in late autumn 2016 and turned into a massive project as hundreds of gifts were gathered to ensure that children would receive a Christmas gift no matter what their family's circumstances.

Well over 700 gifts were packaged then and no far short of that number were distributed last Christmas, now the hope is that a similar number can be accrued this festive season.

Said Santa Benarty co-ordinator Hannah Kinnaird: "Santa Benarty began in 2016 and has grown more than anyone could have imagined.

"More and more families and children are struggling to have basic needs met. As a result there maybe children going without a present this Christmas".

Added Hannah: "We collect new, unwrapped gifts for children aged newborn to 18, throughout the Benarty Area, and distribute them to those who may not receive even one gift at Christmas time.

"It is completely done through donations and volunteers who work tirelessly to get this done.

"This year the organisers, Benarty Kids Community Club, want to make it the best yet, so we need the community to rally round and offer what they can!

"Donations can be made to staff at Benarty Community Shop in Benarty Square, Ballingry; Lochore Co-op, or BRAG Enterprises in Crosshill.

"Wrapping dates will be made clear in a few weeks once numbers have been formalised and we would also really appreciate donations of wrapping paper, cello-tape and gift bags!

"We will have access to the mini bus at BRAG to collect volunteers who might not make it otherwise also. Any help that can be given will be so gratefully received and knowing the amazing generosity of the Benarty community, we will have a lot of happy children yet again this year."