OUR annual Christmas gift appeal with Home-Star Wyre Forest has seen an “overwhelming” response so far.

Kind-hearted Wyre Forest have already donated more than 500 gifts to bring some festive joy to families in need this Christmas after the appeal was launched last month.

Home-Start manager Belinda Darby said: “It’s a bit overwhelming. We are already swamped with donations.

“We’ve had at least 500 plus donations so far. It’s going really well.

“We are really confident we’ll be able to get a bag of donations to every family we support.

“It’s going really good so far.”

Last year was our biggest appeal yet with a staggering 3,120 presents donated, despite a difficult year for many families financially due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gifts can be donated until Sunday, December 12, 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.

The donation points for this year's appeal are, Swan Centre Management Suite, Midcounties Co-op Stourport and Franche Stores, Franche Community Church, Home-Start Offices, New Road and Bewdley Methodist Church.

For more information about Home-Start support, or to become a Home-Start volunteer, visit www.homestartwyreforest.org.uk or telephone 01562 825896.