THE annual Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal is again aiming to bring plenty of extra seasonal joy to youngsters across Wyre Forest.

As our partner in the appeal for more than a decade, local family support charity Home-Start Wyre Forest co-ordinate and deliver gifts to children in the district whose families are receiving their support.

This year’s appeal launches today (Thursday, November 12), and it will run until Wednesday, December 16.

We are asking the generous readers of the Shuttle to support our Gift Appeal by donating a gift for a local child aged 0-18 years of age.

When you have chosen your gift, all you have to do is take the present, however big and of whatever value, to one of the outlets taking part.

It is helpful if the gifts are unwrapped when donated – then Home-Start will wrap and deliver the gifts to children before Christmas Day.

Drop off points this year include the Home-Start offices in New Road, Kidderminster, the Swan Centre Management Suite, a number of Weavers Wharf outlets, Archies Barbers in Dog Lane, Bewdley, and the Courtyard Cafe in Lombard Street, Stourport.

Taking part in Weavers Wharf are McDonalds, TK Maxx, Debenhams, DW Sports, TH Bakers, Savers, Greggs and Sports Direct.

Last year’s Gift Appeal saw 255 presents collected for children across Wyre Forest.

Belinda Darby, manager of Home-Start Wyre Forest, said: “This time of year can add so much pressure to families who may be experiencing additional difficulties and it is a fantastic opportunity to spread a little additional Christmas cheer to a local family, who are receiving Home-Start support.

“Our staff and volunteers will ensure a gift is delivered for each child in the families we are currently supporting which will make this time of year a little more special for the whole family.”

Local support for the appeal has also been offered by Chaddesley Corbett Primary School and the Wyre Forest and Hagley Project, who are donating gifts to the appeal.

The Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal has been running since 1995, when it was called the Christmas Tree Appeal, and has been lighting up the faces of children in need in Wyre Forest ever since.

Home-Start offers befriending and practical help in the home to families who are experiencing additional stress.

For more information on the appeal, contact Belinda Darby on 01562 825896, or Shuttle reporter Dayna Farrington on 01384 358234.