Christmas appeal 'inundated' with pleas for help

AFC Telford United Foundation director Ian Preece said the appeal was a "big part" of the year

A football club’s Christmas appeal has been “inundated” with requests for help from struggling families, according to its organiser.

For the last five years, the AFC Telford United Foundation has run a gift and food parcel collection for parents who cannot afford presents for their children.

Director Ian Preece said the appeal was a “very big part” of the foundation’s year, supported by a “lovely cohort” of volunteers.

“This is the fifth year we’ve been running it and we have been inundated already with people asking for help,” he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

“This year people have been asking weeks and weeks in advance.”

He said the foundation would be running a toy bank, a food bank and a delivery service.

Second-hand toys can be donated to the appeal, if they are in good condition, along with selection boxes and non-perishable food items.

'It's all worthwhile'

Mr Preece said it was “heartwarming” to see the looks on people’s faces when they come to pick up presents.

“I couldn’t imagine being a kid and not getting a gift. It must be hard being the mum and dad if they’ve got no money and they have either got to heat the house or eat,” he said.

“It’s one of those choices and sometimes they can’t afford too much… if we can make a difference to those children and make them feel happy, it’s all worthwhile.”

He added: “We all have those times in our lives where we need a little bit of help.”

Donations can be made at the AFC Telford Foundation Hub every day between Monday and Christmas Eve.