Maria Maguire KC

Now in its eighth year, the Faculty Christmas Collection raises funds to support vulnerable families in Fife facilitated through Home-Start, a charity that helps families with young children.

“All of the donations to the Faculty Christmas Fund are ring-fenced, meaning every penny raised and every item received goes directly to those in need,” said Maria Maguire KC, who launched and continues to head up this annual charity initiative.

All donated items need to be dropped off at Parliament House by noon on Saturday 17 December where they will be sorted by volunteers and then taken by Ms Maguire and the Faculty staff to Fife. Arrangements can be made for items to be collected, if required, before next weekend.

Donations of toys, books, games, new clothes and pyjamas would all be gratefully received, as would second-hand bicycles in working condition. About half of the families involved have a parent struggling with mental health issues, so presents for parents would also be appreciated. Other sought-after items include Christmas treats such as tins of biscuits, non-perishable sweet and savoury items, and Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags.

Cash donations will be used to buy food vouchers to allow families to have a proper Christmas meal and to help alleviate the increasing pressure on food banks in the area, as well as winter clothing and blankets. Monies raised will also go towards an emergency fund for families who need urgent help with accommodation, essential items, beds and duvets for children, cookers, fridges and washing machines. It will also enable children to participate in activities such as swimming and help provide cookery lessons to help with food economy and nutrition, said Home-Start Chair Alison Cameron.

“The continued support that the Faculty Christmas Collection has already received this year from Faculty members and staff, solicitors, the judiciary and other donors has once again been fantastic. It brings so much hope. A big thank you to all those who have donated so far. But families are at increasing risk this year due to the current cost-of-living crisis, so more help is needed than ever before,” said Ms Maguire.

“And the more money we can raise this year, the more we will be able to extend the support offered by the Faculty Christmas Collection beyond the festive season and into the new year. Please help if you can; families need us to get them through these hardest of times.”

Anyone wanting to contact Ms Maguire can email her at maria.maguire@advocates.org.uk. More details on what is needed, where to drop off donations on or before Saturday 17 December, how to arrange a pick up and how to make cash donations can be found here. Cash donations can be made any time before the end of the year.