Firefighter launches Ayrshire Christmas appeal for local children

Ayr firefighter spearheads charity Christmas gift campaign

Watch Commander Vicky Hodge, based at Ayr Community Fire Station, has launched a Christmas appeal to provide gifts for children and young people across Ayrshire.

The campaign supports the Night Before Christmas charity’s ‘Red Bags Full of Joy’ initiative, which ensures children aged 0–18 receive a Christmas gift.

Donations can be dropped off at any wholetime fire station in Ayrshire before December 2.

Hodge is working alongside Community Action teams to gather and distribute donations.

Volunteers will assemble the parcels at a local village hall, styled as Santa’s Grotto, and deliver them to recipients.

Public urged to donate essential items and gifts

The appeal seeks a range of donations, including essential items such as pyjamas, socks, and vests, as well as toys, selection boxes, and gift sets for teenagers.

Hodge highlighted the impact of the initiative: “The Night Before Christmas charity is a very worthwhile cause which makes a real impact in the local area.

“The kindness of people across Ayrshire who embrace the true spirit of Christmas is very much appreciated.”

Community members are encouraged to donate items at fire stations in Ayr, Dreghorn, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, and Ardrossan.

Volunteer elves bring Christmas cheer to Ayrshire

Once donations are collected, they will be sorted and packed by volunteers at the village hall, transforming it into a festive workspace.

These parcels will then be delivered across the region by the charity’s volunteers, referred to as ‘elves.’

The charity works to ensure that every child and young person in the community receives a Christmas gift, thanks to the support of local residents and fire station teams.

Deadline set for December 2 donations

Donations must be delivered to the participating fire stations by December 2 to ensure timely distribution.

The campaign, supported by fire crews across Ayrshire, has become a hallmark of community spirit during the festive season, reflecting local generosity and support for children in need.

Firefighter launches Ayrshire Christmas appeal for local children: Summary

Watch Commander Vicky Hodge of Ayr Community Fire Station has partnered with the Night Before Christmas charity to support its ‘Red Bags Full of Joy’ campaign.

The initiative provides Christmas gifts for children aged 0–18 across Ayrshire.

Donations can include essentials such as pyjamas, socks, and toys and must be dropped off at participating Ayrshire fire stations by December 2.

Volunteers will assemble and distribute the parcels, ensuring children and young people receive gifts during the festive season.