Kirkcaldy community centre to deliver 100 hampers as Christmas meal cancelled

Mandy Henderson. Pic: Fife Photo Agency.

The centre usually hosts over 100 seniors on Christmas Day, but due to social-distancing rules, the meal will not be possible this year.

The announcement cames as another blow to the community hub’s senior groups - most have been shielding throughout the pandemic and are feeling increasingly more isolated.

Mandy Henderson, centre manager said: “We have had to cancel the Christmas Day meal with Hosting Hope as we always plan for 100 people. This will not be possible inside our hall with current restrictions.

"All is not lost though. We now plan to take out 100 plus hampers out to our senior citizens and individuals who would have attended our meal plus any others who are referred to us.

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"We plan to have a lovely hamper filled with goodies, hand delivered by volunteers who will share a cracker, and chat on the doorstep to ensure everyone knows we are thinking of them.”

Foundation Scotland has awarded the centre a grant of £3150 towards the project – and an appeal has been made for donations to add to the hampers.

Although the centre will not be hosting its Christmas meal this year, the majority of groups at the centre are slowly returning to normal.

"We are all trying to ensure Linton Lane remains at the heart of the community as we slowly start opening our activities,” Mandy added.

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“Most of our children's groups have returned and our Nifty Fifties is returning this week, and over the next couple of weeks Helima from Mutch Exercise will be back in the group doing armchair exercise to help keep everyone moving.

"This is very much needed. We have kept in touch with our members and taken freshly cooked meals out to them, but all they want is a chat, bingo, dominoes, and a chance to smile with each other who they have not seen for seven months.

"Kirkcaldy Foodbank will also be open Christmas morning from 10am-12pm at the centre, and SAMH will be open from 12pm-8pm on Christmas Day so there will be an open door at the centre for anyone who needs support.”

Linton Lane Centre Facebook

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