HUNDREDS of children across Wyre Forest will be waking up this morning to an unexpected Christmas treat, thanks to the generous readers of the Shuttle.

The newspaper has once again teamed up with local charity Home-Start Wyre Forest for the annual Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal and collected 255 presents to be given to needy children across the region.

The appeal has been running since 1995, when it was called the Christmas Tree Appeal, and has been lighting up the faces of children in need in Wyre Forest ever since.

Home-Start have been involved with the appeal for a decade, which enables presents to be delivered to every child in receipt of the Home-Start support across the district at this special time of the year.

The Swan Centre and Weavers Wharf, along with the latest partner in the appeal, Kidderminster’s Iceland, have collected donations of new presents for children aged 0-18 years and the local Home-Start scheme have had them wrapped and delivered to local families, before Christmas Day, who are experiencing additional difficulties.

Belinda Darby, Home-Start Wyre Forest manager, 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 became 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 about them and their family at a very vulnerable time in their lives.

“I am really proud that our community in the Wyre Forest is so committed to thinking of other people at this time every year. It is a privilege to be involved with the appeal year on year.”

Home-Start Wyre Forest staff and volunteers have worked hard in the days before Christmas to ensure all the gifts were delivered to the families in time.

Anne Taylor, from Chaddesley Corbett, who has been donating to the appeal for the past few years, said: “I have been really shocked to realise in this day and age that children receive little or nothing for Christmas, so I think people should do anything that they can to help.

“It’s a great deal of fun to buy a Christmas present for a child. I think the most marvellous things of the Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal, and how generous people are in Wyre Forest.

“Everyone deserves the happiest Christmas. I would recommend donating to the Gift Appeal to anyone.”

For more information about Home-Start support visit www.homestartwyreforest.org.uk or contact 01562 825896.