HUNDREDS of Fife children were given gifts to open on Christmas Day thanks to a Benarty woman and her community toy appeal.

As the Times reported in November, Nikki Slater had once again begun her quest to make sure no child woke up on December 25 without something to open.

With the help of the community, local businesses and Fife radio stations, Nikki managed to help an amazing 360 children this Christmas.

Speaking to the Times, she said: “This year has been terrible for us all mentally and financially, a lot of people out of work or on a reduced wage, extra meals to feed children so I was more than happy to help again this year.

“In total we supported 360 kids, a total of 27 of these kids received extra gifts on top of the normal gifts received due to personal circumstances.

“We had a lot of community help with donations of toys and money, and we raised almost £400 by doing a 30mile sponsored walk.”

Not only did kind-hearted people and groups donate toys, but some also gave huge cash donations which went towards gifts.

Nikki continued: “I want to give a huge thank you to the Benarty Forum for a £500 cash donation and £250 worth of toys, and also a huge thank you to the events group for buying the selection boxes which came to a total of £540.”

The 2020 appeal was the hardest yet for Nikki due to the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions meant that she had to reluctantly turn down offers of help from people do most of the work herself.

Nikki said: “I found this year hard because I just wanted to give every child a Christmas they deserved, with the disappointing news of our usual funders they were able to help in the end.

“Kingdom FM gave a cash donation to cover the teenagers on our list. We also received donations from Lloyds Bank and Gym 64 who were collecting for the Kingdom FM appeal.

“Forth One also was able to help in the end with a huge amount of toys which I can't thank them enough allowing me to finish my Christmas appeal on the December 23.

“Christmas day was amazing I couldn't stop smiling knowing there was so many kids opening a great gift or two from our appeal.”

Nikki’s generosity did not stop there, however. With the gifts leftover from the appeal, she managed to put them to good use.

She explained: “There are a few gifts left over which I decided to use to help a family in Dunfermline whose house had went on fire and lost everything from toys to clothes. With two young girls losing their full Christmas I was glad I could help in some sort way.”