Faculty Christmas gifts appeal runs again

The Faculty of Advocates is once again running its Christmas appeal to bring some cheer to families in need.

Toys and other presents for adults or children, or cash donations, are wanted to help families who might not otherwise be able to, enjoy Christmas together. Support charity Home-Start Glenrothes will receive all donations to the appeal. 

Maria Maguire QC, who is again organising the collection, commented: "Members of Faculty and staff, and friends and family, have been so generous in the past. Our help is still needed desperately and can help a family unit survive. We welcome all types of donations – toys, books, games, clothes, perfumes or treats like selection boxes and tins of biscuits.

"We also put cash donations to great use. They buy vouchers for food as food banks struggle to meet demand. The money raised also provides an emergency fund to help families in urgent need, and pay for days out in the summer which can be a family’s only holiday. All the donations we collect are ring-fenced for the needs of the families so they can have the help directly and immediately. It is sad that there are still so many vulnerable families, but I am inspired by them and the willingness of everyone to help."

Lindsey Brown, of Home-Start Glenrothes added: "A lot of our families worry that they won’t be able to give the children much of a Christmas because of their circumstances, and it is amazing how the pressure can be lifted when we are able to say that the Faculty will help. 

"We know from previous years the looks on people’s faces when we distribute the gifts – it brings Christmas to life for them."

Cash can be donated any time from now; other donations can be handed in to Faculty reception in Parliament House, Edinburgh, from 9 to 13 December, or on the morning of Saturday 14 December, ahead of delivery to Fife that afternoon.