A KIND-HEARTED Clacks mum has been building charity gift boxes this festive season, having been inspired by the arrival of her baby daughter.

Sophia Day feels the transition to parenthood has given her a fresh perspective on what Christmas is really about.

The Alloa woman decided not to buy extravagant gifts for her nine-month-old child Emily and instead spent her time creating more than 50 Rotary Club shoe boxes to be sent to foreign countries.

Sophia said: "We are so lucky to be able to access simple items without hesitation. In other parts of the world things are just that bit harder.

"With donations from many mums' groups, friends and family we have packed these boxes to arrive in time for Christmas."

Alloa's Rotary Club have supported the Rotary shoe box scheme – which has been running for 25 years and has delivered more than one million boxes – for a number of years.

The boxes made go primarily to orphanages and children in need in Romania and Ukraine.

They contain items for various age groups and provide a touch of happiness at Christmas.

Sophia has a long association with the Rotary Club thanks to her mum, Celia Norton, who is the president of the club this year and was also president a few years ago.

Sophia explained that it was the birth of her daughter which gave her the idea for the donation.

She said: "Having a new baby has made me understand what the Christmas spirit is all about without spending loads of money.

"We all want the best for our children and for some it isn't easy."

On top of making a very generous donation and giving up her free time, Sophia hopes her actions will have a long-lasting effect on her daughter.

She added: "I hope one day that Emily understands the act of kindness and that presents are not everything."

Ray Gill of Alloa's Rotary Club explained they had collected around 400 boxes including Sophia's contribution and said: "The club is grateful of her contribution to our efforts."