Volunteers get Operation Santa underway (From Stourbridge News)

Volunteers get Operation Santa underway

12:30pm Friday 4th December 2009

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KIND-HEARTED volunteers have been busy wrapping gifts to put smiles on the faces of hundreds of needy youngtsters this Christmas.

Dudley Hope Trust’s traditional Operation Santa appeal is once again in full swing, with volunteers racing against the clock to ensure some of the borough’s most disadvantaged children receive a gift this festive season.

The annual appeal was again kick-started with a £1,000 donation from Amblecote businessman Geoff Hill - a director of Dudley Hope Trust.

He also stopped off at Dudley Volunteer Centre in Brierley Hill, where the appeal is co-ordinated, to help wrap some of the hundreds of presents that will be distributed over the coming weeks.

Geoff said, “Our charity is unique as every single penny raised goes to helping disadvantaged children. All of our directors volunteer their time, do not claim expenses and even our administration and printing costs are kindly donated.

“We are immensely proud of what we do but it would not be possible without the support of our army of volunteers or of course the financial contributions from local businesses.

“In this difficult financial climate we rely on this support more than ever, even a small donation can make a world of difference to a needy child on Christmas Day.”

This year almost 300 children have been identified through social services and voluntary and community groups to receive what could be their only present this Christmas.

And a further 120 children will be treated to a New Year pantomime outing - as part of the appeal, which has been going strong for more than a decade.

Eileen Fielding, appeal co-ordinator based at Dudley Volunteer Centre, added: “Operation Santa puts smiles on the faces of hundreds of local children in need every year.

“We are delighted to play a role in making this happen and rely on our volunteers who come back year on year to wrap the mountain of gifts that are purchased for the appeal.

“While we are not looking for donations of toys, the trust is in desperate need of support and would like to appeal to organisations to kick start next year’s appeal, perhaps by making a donation in lieu of sending Christmas cards.”

Waitrose supermarket in Stourbridge picked Dudley Hope Trust as one of its ‘community matters’ charities earlier this year and the Copthorne Hotel at Merry Hill will be hosting a charity quiz in the New Year.

Any big-hearted businesses or individuals wishing to make a donation can send cheques payable to Dudley Hope to Dudley Volunteer Centre, 7 Albion Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3EE, or call 01384 573381 for more information.

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