The Faculty Christmas Collection – a decade of gifting hope

FOR the past 10 years the Faculty Christmas Collection has been a lifeline for vulnerable families across Fife – and in 2025 the need is greater than ever.

This annual initiative supports families facing isolation, bereavement, disability, mental health challenges, and poverty – helping to ensure that Christmas is a time of joy rather than despair.

Maria Maguire KC, who launched the collection a decade ago, said: “My mother, who survived the poverty of the 1930s, taught me the importance of helping others in need.

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve been moved by the generosity of Faculty members and staff, solicitor and judicial colleagues, and friends and family who have given hope to families in crisis.”

With child poverty rates in Fife still alarmingly high – over 11,000 children live in relative poverty – the Faculty Christmas Collection offers vital support. Every gift and donation helps ease the pressure on parents and brings joy to children who might otherwise go without.

What began in 2015 as a simple appeal for toys has grown into a remarkable effort that has raised over £100,000 and delivered thousands of gifts to 800 families and more than 1,250 children. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the collection now reaches all six Home-Start branches in Fife.

The impact is profound. Donations also fund essentials such as food vouchers, heating, baby supplies, and bedding. They support year-round activities such as play sessions, outings and swimming lessons, which many families could not otherwise afford. This mitigates the acute effects of poverty and deprivation and can set children on the path to a better future.

Parents and individuals who received gifts and support have shared heartfelt messages of gratitude. One parent said: “Thank you so much – you have taken pressure off as we did not know how we would manage it all and have very disappointed children and tearful parents. The gifts are amazing.”

“I was scared to ask for help as I looked and felt like a failure. You will never know the difference you have made to my life with your support and a gift for me – happy tears,” wrote another recipient.

Another spoke of the relief after unexpected challenges: “After my husband's accident and no recourse to funds for Christmas as benefits were not sorted, you will never know the difference you made with gifts and a food voucher. Thanks just do not cut it.”

Whether facing isolation, financial strain, or personal crises, the support offered has brought hope and dignity to those who needed it most.

This year’s appeal asks for:

• New toys, books, and clothes for children, especially under-fives.
• Thoughtful gifts for parents, many of whom struggle with mental health issues.
• Festive treats such as selection boxes and biscuits.
• Cash donations, which go directly to assist families in need.

Items ordered online for the Faculty Christmas Collection can be delivered directly to Parliament House on or before Friday 12 December. Donations can also be handed in at reception at the Faculty of Advocates in Parliament House until 11.30am on Saturday 13 December. Faculty Superintendent Scott Brownridge can also arrange for items to be collected. For more information on how to donate please click here.