OUR annual Christmas gift appeal with Wyre Forest charity Home-Start is once again giving readers the chance to bring some seasonal joy to families in need across the district.

For the 16th year running, the Shuttle Gift Appeal is asking members of the community to buy a gift for a local child aged 0-18 whose families are facing difficulties.

Last year was our biggest appeal yet with a staggering 1,285 presents donated, and this year it's never been more important to do our bit to help those in need.

Home-Start branch manager Belinda Darby said: "This year’s appeal is more important than ever. For lots of families in Wyre Forest, the pandemic has meant them losing their jobs or being put on furlough and having to live on a lower income.

"It's been a really hard year for everyone, but when you’ve already got mental health problems or you’re on very low income already or you’re struggling with other issues, it’s even harder to deal with this on top of everything else.

"It would be so nice for them all to know their children will have something to open on Christmas day."

Home-Start Wyre Forest currently provides support to 99 families including 162 children. Around 80 per cent of their families have been referred due to mental health difficulties.

Since the coronavirus outbreak, the length of time families are needing support from Home-Start has increased from nine months to 12 as the charity is tasked with dealing with more complex needs.

During the lockdown, Home-Start's dedicated team of volunteers delivered weekly care packages and food parcels to 100 families and have provided support to parents who have struggled to cope with childcare while the schools were closed, financial difficulties, mental health issues and isolation.

Belinda said: "We don’t really know what to expect with this year's appeal - donations could be severely reduced because of Covid and everyone being strapped for cash, or we'll get more donations than ever because the pandemic has really brought out the best in people.

"We want to make sure these children have at least one present to open on Christmas day.

"To receive an anonymous gift can really ease the pressure and make the festive season a little more enjoyable, but more importantly it's sending out the message that someone cares about them at a very vulnerable time in their lives."

Shuttle editor Stephanie Preece added: "It's been such a difficult year for everyone but we've seen throughout the pandemic how our communities have come together to help those most in need.

"Christmas can be a really tough time for families facing difficulties and for many of them, this year will be the toughest yet.

"To have even one present to open on Christmas day will mean the world to these youngsters, so please donate if you can."

Drop-off points for donations are located at Mid-Counties Co-op stores in Stourport and Franche Road, Kidderminster, the Swan Centre management suite, Franche Community Church, Tesco branches in Stourport and Kidderminster and the Home-Start office in New Road.

Presents can be donated until Monday, December 14. Home-Start staff and volunteers will then wrap and pack the gifts and store them in a Covid-secure storage room for 72 hours before delivering them to families.

Presents can be of any value but must be new and unwrapped.

For more information about Home-Start and the Shuttle Gift Appeal, visit homestartwyreforest.org.uk or call 01562 825896.