THE annual Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal is launching once again - now in its 20th year.

The appeal, which is run in partnership with charity Home-Start Wyre Forest, launches on Friday, November 1, and asks community members to buy a gift for a local child in need this Christmas.

Gifts can be donated until Sunday, December 1 2024, after which Home-Start Wyre Forest staff and volunteers will deliver them to local families.

The appeal has been running for 20 years and enables presents to be delivered to every child in receipt of Home-Start support across the district at this special time of year. Last year, around 2,500 presents were donated.

Presents can be of any value and for children and young people aged 0-18 years, although it is asked all donations are new and unwrapped.

Home-Start manager, Belinda Darby, said: “I can`t believe it is 20 years since we were first invited to be partners in this appeal and together with The Kidderminster Shuttle, we have distributed thousands of gifts to local families during that time.

"Christmas is seen as such a happy time of celebration and fun, but for many families it brings additional emotional and financial pressures which can feel overwhelming.

"To have the offer of gifts for their children, with nothing expected in return, lets our families know we are there supporting them and this can ease the pressure enormously.”

Shuttle editor Alicia Kelly said: "We have been blown away with the level of support the appeal has received over the last two decades.

"Now, we want to spread even more Christmas cheer to families in need this year.

"Please donate to help make the big day that extra bit special for children in our community this year.

People can bring their gifts to the confirmed donation points, which include the Swan Centre Management Suite, Midcounties Co-op Franche and Stourport (Post Office and Travel), Franche Community Church (Tuesday and Friday mornings only), Home-Start Offices, New Road, Tesco Stourport and Kidderminster main stores. Wild Violet Hair Salon and Dunelm Worcester.

The appeal is also being supported by local businesses, including Signal Traffic Management and The Astley Cross Inn.