Shropshire Gift Appeal: Big-hearted couple collect £700 worth of gifts

It brings the total number of gifts donated to the appeal to almost 900.

The appeal has been organised by the Shropshire Star and Storage King to bring a little festive joy to those who would otherwise be finding Christmas a difficult time of year.

A total of 11 groups and charities which support children and the elderly will benefit from the donations.

New gifts for both the young and the elderly can be dropped off at collection points at the Shropshire Star head office at Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Telford, or at Storage King in Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park Storage. Both locations have ample parking.

There are further collection points at the Shropshire Star office in Bellstone, Shrewsbury, and at the Southwater One building in Telford town centre.

Andrew and Janet, who made a similar contribution to last year's appeal, put out a flyer with their catalogues inviting customers to donate to the appeal. They then used all the profits made to buy more yet more gifts, ensuring there was a good range for all age groups. Janet said: "We like to support local charities, and the fact that this was about helping people in Shropshire was important.

"Some people donated gifts worth more than £30, which we thought was really generous. Our children are grown-up and we don't have any grandchildren, so it is nice to be able to help others.There is something here for all age groups."

The total value of the goods from Andrew and Janet was £712. Star reader Sophie Hanson, from Wellington, also brought in a large box of gifts, while Telford-based toy manufacturer Golden Bear Toys also donated more than 60 toys to the appeal.

The gifts will be shared out among Hope House Children's Hospice in Morda, near Oswestry, The Harry Johnson Trust for children with cancer, The Movement Centre for children with cerebral palsy and similar conditions, and Telford & Wrekin Young Carers.

North Shrewsbury Friendly Neighbours, Parents Opening Doors, Age UK Telford & Wrekin, Home-Start Telford & Wrekin, the Little Rascals Foundation, the children's ward at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital and Telford & Wrekin children's services will also receive some of the gifts.

All donations, for both youngsters and older people, are still gratefully received. We have collection points at Shropshire Star headquarters at Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Telford, and at Storage King in Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury. Gifts can also be handed in at the Shropshire Star office in Bellstone, Shrewsbury, or at Southwater One in Telford town centre.