Six more Shropshire charities are to receive help

The appeal, being run by the Shropshire Star and Storage King, was launched last month to bring a smile to the faces of people who would otherwise not find Christmas a difficult time.

We are appealing for members of the public to donate toys, games, books and DVDs for youngsters, as well as gifts such as toiletries and confectioneary for older people, to ensure that the vulnerable people in our county can have the best Christmas possible.

• Donations can be handed in to the Shropshire Star head office in Telford, and Storage King’s base in Archers Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury.

• They can also be handed in to the Shropshire Star office at Bellstone, Shrewsbury.

Welsh international Mr Edwards, who previously played for Shrewsbury Town, stepped

Last month we announced the first five charities to benefit from the appeal would be Hope House Children's Hospice, The Harry Johnson Trust, Age UK, Telford & Wrekin Young Carers, and Telford & Wrekin Home-Start.

But we can now announce that North Shrewsbury Friendly Neighbour scheme, Telford's Princess Royal Hospital, Parents Opening Doors and The Movement Centre for children with cerebral palsy will also be receiving gifts through the appeal, along with the Little Rascals Foundation and Telford & Wrekin Council's children's services.

Storage King managing director Sarah Hopkins said last year's toy appeal, which saw nearly 1,000 toys and gifts shared among seven charitable groups had been a huge success.

And she said she was very pleased that this year's campaign would be helping older people as well as youngsters.

The gifts donated to Age UK will be given to people who use the charity's day centres across the county.

Miss Hopkins said: "I feel so strongly about the elderly because they are often forgotten especially at Christmas where kids are usually everyone's focus. There are many older people who live alone at home or in a home that get no visitors and may go weeks or months without speaking to anyone.

"Christmas time makes loneliness much worse as people reminisce about Christmases of old and imagine everyone else surrounded by family and friends. A small gift would be hugely appreciated by older people who rarely see or speak to friends or family and never receive any presents at all at Christmas. I'd really like to bring a little joy to as many elderly and lonely people this Christmas to show that people do care."

She also said she hoped that local businesses would back the appeal by donating gifts or meals.

Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright said he hoped people would give generously to both the young and old to make it a memorable Christmas for all those who benefited.

l Gifts can be dropped off at the Shropshire Star head office in Waterloo Road, Ketley, Telford, or at Storage King in Archers Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury. Both sites have ample parking. There is also a collection point at the Shropshire Star office in Bellstone, Shrewsbury.