IT has been another record-breaking year for The Shuttle’s annual Christmas Gift Appeal, with more than 800 presents donated to youngsters in need across Wyre Forest.

For the 14th year running, we teamed up with local family support charity Home-Start Wyre Forest to deliver an unexpected gift to children who are currently receiving its support this Christmas day.

This year, a staggering 835 presents were collected. with donations flooding in from schools, businesses and, as usual, The Shuttle’s generous readers.

The Salvation Army held a Gift Appeal ‘toy service’ and staff at Wright Solicitors made a large donation of gifts for teenagers.

Kidderminster’s Swan Centre, The Salvation Army, Midcounties Cooperative, Teso stores, Wright Solicitors and Bewdley Methodist Church acted as drop off points for the appeal, together with new partners Beakbane and Lloyds, who gathered employee donations.

Home-Start manager Belinda Darby said: “We can`t express enough our amazement at the quality and quantity of the gifts donated to the appeal and the thought people have clearly put in to their donations.

"We have received some group donations, but most of the gifts were given by local individuals and we have been astounded by the generosity of those who be came involved.

"I hope those who donated realise how much their gifts will mean to the families we support. It is such a pressured time of year for everyone, but for families with the added pressures of isolation, depression, past trauma or illness, it can be a very challenging time.

“To receive an anonymous gift, with nothing required in return, can ease the pressure and make the season a little more enjoyable – but more importantly it`s sending out the message that someone is there and cares.”

Volunteers have been busy wrapping donations, and will be working hard in the days leading up to Christmas to ensure gifts are delivered on time.

For more on Home-Start Wyre Forest, or for information on volunteering, visit homestartwyreforest.org.uk.