A CHRISTMAS toy appeal for children in Worcestershire hospitals over the festive period has been launched with organisers appealing for gifts.

Mandy Griffiths, a single mother from Kidderminster, has been running a Christmas toy appeal for the last few years, collecting donations from across the county for children in hospital.

This year is no exception, but Miss Griffiths said she needs some additional support from Worcester residents, especially finding a place where donations can be dropped off.

She said: "I have been doing this for a while now and I absolutely love it but we are really in need of a donation centre in Worcester.

"We collect donations from all over, and although I am able to collect where I can alongside other volunteers, if we had a station here in Worcester it would be a great help.

"It would ideally just need to be a place where the gifts could be stored until we can collect them ready to be taken into Worcestershire Royal Hospital."

In the past, Miss Griffiths and the volunteers have collected a lot of second-hand gifts, but due to Covid still being a factor, they are looking for new toys.

She said: "We have been told that it can be new toys and gifts only this year to minimise the potential risk of spreading germs.

"Obviously it makes it a bit tougher with the ongoing cost of living crisis but if anyone is in a position to contribute it can really make a lovely difference.

"We are also collecting healthy and beauty gifts for parents on the wards as well that are there with their children."

Miss Griffiths also thanked everyone who has made the toy appeal possible over the years for their support.

She said: "To all of my helpers and the community that have contributed so far, thank you so much. if anyone is in a position to help be a donation station in Worcester, please do get in touch with me."

People willing to help can contact Mandy Griffiths to arrange a donation or to help become a donation station in Worcester by calling 07497204838 or by emailing her at Mandygriffiths60@gmail.com.