Praise for Kirkcaldy youngsters rallying round Cottage Centre's Christmas appeal

Pauline Buchan, strategic manager, praised younger members of the community who have donated toys and gifts to ensure no child is left without this Christmas.

She said: “We are obviously extremely grateful for each and every single donation we receive, but there is something extra special about the generosity and thoughtfulness of children taking time to donate to other children who are living in poverty isn’t there?

“We wanted to single them out for an extra thank you, and let them know how much it means to us to have their support.”

The appeal has also attracted support from other members of the community too.

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Kingdom Kids has pledged its support, and the Cottage will receive toys and gifts from its collection points at Morrisons and Gym 64.

Staff at Morrisons also have a donation box in their staff room, kind hearted staff at Fife Windows are also collecting, Repair, Renew and Replace has pledged £1000 and Astrak has donated 200 footballs.

Community organisations have also been hugely supportive of one of the town’s major festive fundraising drives.

Kirkcaldy Orange Lodge donated £500, and Templehall Community Centre £150.

Pauline added: “The kindness and generosity is simply amazing.

"We never doubted that we would be supported this year again but it is really fantastic and so heart-warming.”She highlighted the impact one person has had to inspire pothers to do their bit.

Pauline added: “One of our young volunteers, Nicole McDonald, who helped us out during lockdown, came up with the idea of filling rucksacks for teenagers and inspired so many from our own board members to people in the community. She got an amazing response which really shows the power of kindness.

“We have had people baking cakes to raise money, toys, PJs, gifts, knitted items, food, toiletries and selection boxes donated - it is fantastic!

“Everything, no matter how small people may think it is, makes a big difference to a child at Christmas who might otherwise not have received anything.”

Pauline urged people to keep donating as calls for help continue to grow..

She said: “We are already receiving referrals for children and families so we can’t stop – we must keep going because people on our doorstep need us.”

You can also get involved and make sure that no child or family is hungry, cold or without any presents this Christmas in other ways too.

The Cottage needs donations for families and children aged up to 16 of new clothing, pyjamas, new toys, toiletries, non-perishable food items and baby milk. Unfortunately, loved, second-hand items can’t be accepted for health and safety reasons.

Donations can be dropped off directly to: The Cottage Family Centre, 29-31 Cawdor Crescent Kirkcaldy, KY2 6LH or The Cottage Family Centre, 34 St Clair St, Kirkcaldy KY1 2QE until 5pm on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

Donations can be made via bank transfer using Cot Xmas App as a reference: Sort Code 80-16-84, Account Number 06006462.

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