Based in Kirkcaldy, the Cottage Family Centre helps families and children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Fife. Its work supports people who are vulnerable to social exclusion as a result of factors such as poverty, low paid employment, poor housing, relationship breakdown, drug and alcohol problems and health related issues.

The charity’s biggest initiative is its annual delivery day which takes place just before Christmas to ensure families and children can enjoy the festivities like everyone else. A major logistical exercise, the success of the day relies on the practical support of hundreds of volunteers to organise the many donations into crates and deliver these in just one day to addresses across the town.

CMS Window Systems, which works with social housing providers, housebuilders and developers across Fife, once again provided storage and distribution facilities at its Hayfield factory in Kirkcaldy along with vans and drivers. As with previous Christmas appeals, the team of volunteers from organisations across Fife was joined by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who provided essential hands-on support.

The Cottage Family Centre’s service manager, Pauline Buchan, who organised the day, said: “It is horrendous that in a developed country like Scotland so many families are still facing such crippling poverty. That’s why events like our Christmas delivery day are so important and why we are so grateful for the support from CMS Window Systems and all those who have donated food, gifts, clothing and more to make a difference to disadvantaged families.”