Smyths back Express & Star Christmas Toy Appeal with £300 worth of donations

The chain, which has stores in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Oldbury and Kidderminster, donated a tremendous £300 worth of toys and gifts to add to the floods of gifts the campaign has already received.

Our appeal, which has seen us team up with Storage King, has already had backing from readers, local businesses and clubs including Wolves, Baggies and Walsall.

The donation from Smyths will help the Express & Star support causes all over the Black Country including poorly children at hospitals in Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Dudley, as well as families of the Caparo workers, who lost their jobs.

Our main aim is to ensure as many young people as possible don't miss out on the festive fun this year.

Spokesman for Smyths, Rob Guckian, said: "Since opening in Wolverhampton, Smyths Toys Superstores have seen the area's tremendous community spirit first hand. When we heard about the Express & Star's Toy Appeal we wanted to do anything we could to help. We hope our contribution to the campaign will go some way towards helping local families affected have the best Christmas possible."

Deputy editor Diane Davies said: "This was an absolutely wonderful gesture from Smyths. I couldn't believe it when four huge sacks filled with presents arrived in my office. This will be such a treat for so many children at Christmas.

"I have been delighted with the generosity of local businesses, the community and our readers. Thank you so much." Floods of toy donations of different shapes and sizes have already been dropped off at our points from our readers across the Black Country.

While the campaign has had support from big names with the likes of the Chuckle Brothers, Steve Bull and Baggies manager Tony Pulis getting on board.

But we are still appealing for toys and gifts so we can help out as many youngsters of ages from babies to young adults, we can take donations up until December 18. We need new gifts but not wrapped in paper please, this is so that the charities are able to select the right gift to fit the recipient.

Drop-off bins have been set up at the Express & Star's offices in Wolverhampton and Storage King depots in Station Street, Walsall, Unit 8 Ionic Park in Birmingham New Road, Dudley and 133 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich. They can also be taken to Toys R Us in Oldbury.

Visit www.expressandstar.co.uk/toyappeal, or call 01902 319483.