100 more gifts for Shropshire Star Christmas Toy appeal

The festive appeal is being organised in partnership with Shrewsbury-based Storage King for the third year running to provide some joy to youngsters who might be finding Christmas a difficult time.

Among the treats to arrive have been a total of 96 presents worth £500 supplied by generous customers of Telford-based Kleeneze operators Janet and Andrew Mitchell.

The couple asked residents to consider purchasing an extra gift for the appeal and this year delivered three boxes crammed full of toys, toiletries, puzzles and jewellery.

The pair, both 63, have been running the franchise for 18 years, said they participate in the appeal to give something back to the community they work in.

"We ask our customers every year to donate a small gift from the catalogue and all the profits are converted into more gifts. We do not make any money at all from the extra sales.

"We like the Shropshire Star appeal because it is a local charitable cause.

"We used to support a national charity's toy appeal, but they started to ask for cash. There are lots of charities that give to national and overseas causes which is also good, but it is also wise to be aware that there are people in need in the Shropshire area.

"Unfortunately, the bad snow resulted in us not collecting as much has we'd hoped this time. The items were collected over three weeks and we're looking forward to doing it again next Christmas," Mrs Mitchell said.

All toys donated will be shared between five different good causes, which help put smiles on the faces of children around the county.

The gifts will be donated to Hope House Children’s Hospice, The Harry Johnson Trust, which supports children with cancer, The Movement Centre in Gobowen which helps children with mobility problems, as well as the children’s ward at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, and Telford & Wrekin children’s services.