OUR annual Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal is once again giving readers the opportunity to bring some seasonal joy to families in need across Wyre Forest.
The appeal, run in partnership with local charity Home-Start Wyre Forest, is asking members of the community to buy a gift for a local child this Christmas.
The appeal has been running for 19 years and enables presents to be delivered to every child in receipt of Home-Start support across the district at this special time of year.
Gifts can be donated until Friday, December 15, after which Home-Start Wyre Forest staff and volunteers will deliver the gifts to local families.
Presents can be of any value and for children and young people aged 0-18 years, although it is asked all donations are new and unwrapped.
Home-Start Manager, Belinda Darby said: “This year continues to be so hard for many families with the Cost of Living crisis hitting everyone and making daily life a challenge for many who face additional difficulties.
"Much as we all think of Christmas as a time of celebration and fun, the additional emotional and financial pressures for some families can make it feel overwhelming.
"For those battling money worries, mental health difficulties, bereavement, isolation or disability it can be so difficult to provide everything they want to for their children to have a wonderful time.
"To have gifts provided for their children, with nothing expected in return, lets them know they are not alone and can ease the pressure enormously.”
Shuttle editor Stephanie Preece said: "Last year's appeal was an overwhelming success. People were so generous with their donations, especially following a challenging year for families.
"This Christmas we want to bring even more joy to children and families in need.
"Please donate if you can, so we make Christmas that extra bit special for them”.
The confirmed donation points for this year`s appeal are the Swan Centre Management Suite in Kidderminster, the Stourport and Franche Midcounties Co-op stores, Franche Community Church (Tuesday and Friday mornings only), Wild Violet Hair Salon on Comberton Hill, the Home-Start Offices on New Road, the main Tesco stores in Stourport and Kidderminster, and Bewdley Methodist Church.
The appeal is also being supported by local companies, who are collecting donations from their employees, including Benweld and Signal Traffic Management.
MCF Investments has provided Home-Start with the appeal room where gifts will be organised.
For more information about Home-Start support, or to become a Home-Start volunteer, visit www.homestartwyreforest.org.uk or telephone 01562 825896.
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