Donations are already pouring in for the Press Toy Appeal. This year’s campaign, backed by ExxonMobil, has already seen donations dropped into the Dunfermline Foodbank, who will be distributing the toys this year, with one kind-hearted couple handing in gifts with a total value of £150.

Today’s copy of the Press includes a donation bag to help make sure every West Fife child receives a present to wake up to this Christmas.

Sandra Beveridge, project manager for the Dunfermline Foodbank, told the Press: “It’s starting already and the interest is there. There was a couple who came in with £150 worth of toys, they had read in the paper that we were doing this and they were saying that they know a lot of families are going to find it really, really hard this year and they couldn’t bear the thought of a child waking up to nothing.

“They wanted to donate something to make sure that everyone who comes to the Foodbank gets a toy.”

While there hasn’t been a shortage of generous donations coming in, Sandra says the one thing they are lacking is toys for pre-teens.

She continued: “We usually end up just giving them gift sets but it’s worth thinking about, what else could you get for them. We have a room all cleaned out in our warehouse and it’s starting to fill up already with people dropping off their donations so it’s great!”

To continue to ensure that no child is left without a gift this Christmas, we are asking readers, if they can, to donate a small, new toy for a child who would otherwise go without.

Staff at ExxonMobil have also been supporting the appeal, not only have they backed our campaign, but they have also set up a dedicated donation station for their colleagues to drop off their gifts.

Tom Antram, community liaison for ExxonMobil, said: “ExxonMobil’s Fife Ethylene Plant has been an active part of the Fife community for over 35 years. We have a strong history of providing a helping hand wherever we can and are proud to be continuing that tradition with Dunfermline Foodbank and the Dunfermline Press.

“We have been impressed by the generosity of this newspaper and their readers with previous Christmas appeals and we are thrilled to be working together to bring some joy to families at this special time of year.

“Our employees know they are in a fortunate position but, sadly, not everybody in our community is in the same situation. That is why they have set up a donation point on our site where our colleagues have been enthusiastically donating toys and gifts for the children of Fife.”

Their staff are thrilled to be able to be a part of the project and do their bit to help bring Christmas cheer to the children of West Fife.

Kirsten Cherry, reliability coordinator for Fife Ethylene Plant, said: “The people who work here really enjoy giving back to communities in which they work and live. This year especially, we know how many families are struggling and colleagues on the site wanted to help. For me, Christmas is a time to take stock of the year and reflect on who and what we have, and if you’re in a position to make this time of year more magical or less stressful for others then I’m delighted to be a part of that.”

While Paul Morgan, the lead electrical engineer at ExxonMobil agreed: “It is a pleasure to help bring a little joy to another worthy charity. The generosity and desire to make a difference to others less fortunate in the local community never fails to amaze me. Personally, I have suffered similar challenges whilst growing up; the ability to help bring a little joy to those struggling with similar issues this Christmas is something I couldn’t pass up.”

Martin Burrell, plant manager at Fife Ethylene Plant, added: “This is an incredibly challenging time for many across Fife. We have been happy to be able to provide support for this incredibly worthwhile cause. By donating to the Christmas Toy Appeal we can bring a little festive magic to those who need it most.”

An environmentally friendly paper bag for your donations has been included in this week’s issue of the Press; simply fill it with your donations and drop it off at the Dunfermline Foodbank warehouse located in Unit 1C, Pitreavie Business Park, on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 4-6pm.

Throughout December, the Food- bank will be open out with these hours and readers are encouraged to call Sandra on 07580 231286 to find out when they can go along to drop off their donations.