Caring couple and their customers boost Shropshire Star toy appeal

The couple, from Madeley, delivered 90 toys to the Shropshire Star's HQ in Telford, after asking their customers to get behind effort, now in its final week.

They invited their customers to order toys for the appeal, and then donated all the profits to buy yet more gifts.

Donations can be handed in at collection points including the Shropshire Star offices at Ketley Business Park, Waterloo Road, Telford, Salop Road, Oswestry, or Bellstone, Shrewsbury.

They can also be handed in at Storage King's headquarters in Archers Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury, and at Toys R Us, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury.

Janet, who has been running the franchise with Andrew for 16 years, said they had been wanting to do something for charity for some time. "When we read about the appeal we jumped at the chance of getting involved," she said.

"We have given to Barnardo's before, but they really wanted cash donations, and we thought it was better to be asking people to give presents.

"Also, we wanted to do something for children in Telford."

Andrew said the gifts were valued at around £300. Their donation now takes the total number of brand new gifts donated past the 700 mark.

The appeal, which closes on Friday, is supporting seven different organisations which work with children and young people living in difficult circumstances.

They include Hope House Children's Hospice in Oswestry, The Harry Johnson Trust, which supports children with cancer, and Climbing Out, a charity for young people who have suffered injuries.

Children's services in both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin will also benefit from the appeal, along with the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals children's unit, as well as Parents Opening Doors which supports youngsters with disabilities or special needs.