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 17) and it will run until Monday, December 12.

We are asking the generous readers of the Shuttle to support our Gift Appeal by donating a gift for a local child age 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, the Kidderminster Iceland store, the Courtyard Café in Lombard Street, Stourport, and Stourport's TSB branch, in High Street.

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

Last year’s Gift Appeal saw 355 presents collected for children across Wyre Forest.

Belinda Darby, manager of Home-Start Wyre Forest, said: “The Gift Appeal is a fantastic way to make Christmas a little extra special for children in our community and in particular for those families who are experiencing difficulties.

“Year on year we are amazed at the generosity of the community in coming forward with a gift for a stranger to make their Christmas a happier one.

“I am sure this will be so appreciated by parents this year, reducing the stress that can inevitably arise at this time of year and will provide a much-needed treat for many local children.”

Colleagues at the filling station at Tesco Stourport will also be hosting a cake and coffee morning on December 9, to raise funds to buy presents for the Gift 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 Wyre Forest offers befriending and practical help in the home to families who are experiencing additional stress.

For more information on this year’s Gift Appeal, contact Belinda Darby on 01562 825896, or Shuttle reporter Dayna Farrington on 01384 358234.