Shropshire Star Christmas Gift Appeal: Help us make it a cracker

And this year the appeal will be even bigger and better than last time as we look to spread the joy to both children and adults.

Bring in them in person

• We have a drop-off point at the Shropshire Star’s main office in Ketley. You can find us at Waterloo Road TF1 5DT - use this postcode for satnavs.

• Storage King is also taking gifts. It is on Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, SY1 3GA.

• Both venues have ample parking.

• Please bring new gifts. They should be unwrapped.

• We also welcome vouchers, but no cash please.

Make a pledge

• We would like businesses to give a donation or offer their services. Email James Tomlinson at j.tomlinson@jandpr.com

How to benefit from the appeal

• E-mail James Tomlinson j.tomlinson@jandpr.com by the closing date of November 7.

• We are looking to help a range of charities, benefitting people of all ages. James can also answer any questions you have about the appeal or any special requests you may have.

We're teaming up again with our partners at Storage King in Shrewsbury to bring a smile to the faces of hundreds of people across Shropshire and Mid Wales who might find Christmas to be a difficult time.

Last year's appeal saw nearly 1,000 toys handed over to eight different groups which work with children in the county. Grateful recipients included Hope House children's hospice, The Harry Johnson Trust and the children's services teams for Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Council.

This year we're looking to expand the campaign to people of all ages, and to bring a little festive cheer to those who may be alone at Christmas.

The Shropshire Star and Storage King are inviting charities that would like to receive gifts through the appeal to get in touch and register their interest, indicating what type of gifts they would like to receive, how many they would want, and who they would give them to.

The successful charities will be invited to a Christmas event held at Storage King's Shrewsbury base, where each will be presented with their gifts. It will also give them an opportunity to meet people in the community who might want to learn more about the work they do.

Sarah Hopkins, managing director of Storage King, said: "Christmas is a time of happiness and joy when people are surrounded by their family and friends.

"For some this is not always the case, so it's important we take the time to help those less fortunate than ourselves at a time of year when being around loved ones is very important.

"However we understand it is not just about giving a toy or just about young children – often older siblings deserve to be recognised for the support they give to their brother or sister.

"The charities are best placed to tell us what would benefit the people they support so therefore we are asking them to apply and tell us what they would like. Then in turn we are appealing for businesses, venues and organisations to donate those presents, vouchers and gifts to help put a smile on a few faces."

Miss Hopkins added: "Last year within the first week the donations were flooding in but this year it's much more varied and more than just toys."

Shropshire Star editor Martin Wright said: "Last year's Christmas gift appeal was a huge success, so much so that we want to make this year's even better by include both children and adults. The response from readers last year was incredibly humbling and I am sure we will help brighten up Christmas for many more people this year."