Toy Appeal: Boycie thanks Shropshire Star readers for donations

They have responded to an appeal for Christmas toys by inundating newspaper offices with donations.

Drop-off bins have been set up at the Shropshire Star's offices in Ketley, Shrewsbury and Oswestry – and they have been filling up every day. There is also a drop-off at the Shrewsbury depot of our toy appeal partners, Storage King on Battlefield Enterprise Park.

Mr Challis said he hoped people would step up the momentum as Christmas comes ever nearer.

He said: "I've been following the appeal closely and it's wonderful to see that so many Shropshire Star readers have responded.

"There's been an outpouring of generosity, which has been fantastic to see. People from all parts of the county have donated toys that will make Christmas very special for youngsters who might otherwise be left with nothing.

"The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid-Wales."

Mr Challis said he hoped people would step up their donations during the run-in to Christmas. He added: "There's still time to donate and I hope that community organisations, shop workers, people in schools and sports clubs will all get involved.

"They can promote and publicise what's happening and play their part to make sure the region's neediest and most vulnerable children have a really great Christmas."

The Shropshire Star has teamed up with Storage King to collect toys that will be given to children during the festive season. They will be distributed to charities including Hope House Hospice, as well as our hospitals' children's wards and to vulnerable youngsters under the supervision of Shropshire and Telford councils.

People can make donations to Shropshire Star offices by depositing toys in large boxes, which are taken away for redistribution.

Mr Challis added: "Christmas is all about helping the needy and being kind to others. There have been some really lovely donations and I'd encourage people to keep giving."