The Mayor of Dudley is backing this year’s Operation Santa, calling for people to donate gifts and toys to families in need this Christmas.

Councillor Alan Taylor is supporting the project which is coordinated by Dudley Council for Voluntary Service. Dudley Council staff are collecting items for the appeal at various offices across the borough.

The charity is collecting gifts such as books, games, toys and colouring books as well as clothing for ages 0-18 years such as pyjamas, underwear, coats, jumpers and cardigans. School uniform and bags can be donated as well as sweet treats such as chocolates, selection boxes and biscuits.

All items must be new – opened or used items will not be accepted, particularly cuddly toys. To arrange to drop off toys and gifts, contact Operation Santa HQ on 01384 573 381 or email eileen@dudleycvs.org.uk. The closing date for donations is 14 December. Councillor Alan Taylor, Mayor of Dudley, said:

"Operation Santa is a fantastic scheme, which Dudley CVS has been running for over 40 years. Christmas is a time for giving, and Operation Santa allows people to share a little of the Christmas spirit with those people most in need.

"If you’re out shopping, it’s easy to pop an extra gift or just a basic food item in your trolley, knowing that it could make such a difference to a family this Christmas.”

Essentials such as milk, cereal, tinned soup, fruit juice and squash, spaghetti, pasta, coffee and tea bags are welcomed. People can drop off food items at a number of collection points. These are:

Black Country Foodbank in Brierley Hill (call 01384 671 250)

Dark House Baptist Church in Coseley (arrangements can be made by calling 07817 417 210)

Dudley Community Church (contact amy.dcc@outlook.com)

The Hope Centre in Halesowen (0121 602 1744)

Black Country Foodbank in Stourbridge (01384 671 250)

The charity is also running a prize draw offering people the chance to buy tickets for £5 for the chance to win a car in a prize draw, as well as a number of other activities. To keep up to date with what’s going on, like the Facebook page.