THE shoebox appeal is gathering pace in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area with 100 more boxes taken on by Cowdenbeath Rotary Club.

Last year the club sent 200 boxes to communities abroad, where children might not get a present on Christmas Day and the club hoped to send a similar amount this year.

However, at Thursday's meeting, International convener, Tom Russell, reported that such had been the demand from members, and the public, he had accepted over 100 more boxes from the area co-ordinator.

Said Tom: "The response this year has been really strong and it has been really encouraging to be able to take on board an extra 100 boxes confident that we can get them all filled."

Local schools and nurseries are again getting involved in the project and will be playing their part in the success of the venture.

Added Tom: "The boxes this year will be going to communities in Eastern Ukraine and by sending 300 of them our community will be giving a Happy Christmas to a lot of children who might not otherwise get something.

"Again I have to thank our members, and the general public, who are amazing in supporting this project which can bring happiness to children in far off countries."