Shropshire Star toy appeal stocking up with gifts

Toys R Us opened a collection point at its Shrewsbury store on Friday, and customers donated about 30 new toys within the first few days.

Mark Fielden, manager of the store at Meole Brace Retail Park, said he was delighted by the response.

The Shropshire Star has teamed up with Shrewsbury-based Storage King to help ensure that as many children as possible get to enjoy Christmas.

Since the appeal was launched at the start of the month, toys have been pouring in to our collection points across the country.

As well as the collection point at Toys R Us, people can drop toys off at the Shropshire Star offices in Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry, as well as at Storage King's headquarters at the Battlefield Enterprise Park. We are also hoping to announce new collection points this week.

Mr Fielden said Toys R Us had a long history of supporting local good causes in the area, including Macmillan Cancer and the children's unit at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital. "When we heard about this new charity collection being organised by Storage King and the Shropshire Star, we really wanted to be part of it," he said.

"People in Shrewsbury always come out in force in their droves to support events we have in store that benefit others.

"It is something we are very passionate about, making sure children of all ages have the sort of Christmas they deserve."

All donated toys will be shared between Hope House Children's Hospice in Oswestry, the Harry Johnson Trust for children with cancer, and the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, as well as the children's services teams at Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils, Climbing Out which supports young people with life-changing injuries, and Parents Opening Doors, a charity for carers of disabled children in Telford.