IN the run up to the festive season, a gift shop is acting as a collection point for people to drop off donations to help those in need at Halesowen’s Hope Centre.

The Hope Centre, which lies at the heart of a community in Halesowen, provides a safe and comforting place for anyone that needs it, offering support to those struggling with personal or emotional issues, living in poverty or just need someone to talk to.

This Christmas, the Hope Centre have launched a food drive, asking for people to donate non-perishable food items that could help someone truly in need and transform their Christmas.

To support the centre’s work, Lily Blue Gifts and Home, based in Worcester Road, Hagley, is acting as a drop-off point for donations and is encouraging the people of the village and beyond to give generously.

Owner Angela Jones said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it is sometimes easy to forget that some people won’t be spending it having dinner and opening presents with their loved ones.

“At Lily Blue, we are doing everything we can to help the Hope Centre make their visitors Christmas a little bit better.

“So, empty out those cupboards and drop anything that can be donated down to Lily Blue before the December 22.”

People can take part in the food drive by donating at Lily Blue, which is open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm.