Feed a Family: Walsall FC's Adam Chambers backs our Christmas appeal

More than 1,400 items have already donated but we want to provide as many families as possible with enough supplies to keep them going through the festive period.

Every donation we receive will be passed on to food banks and charitable organisations in the Black Country and Staffordshire, which are helping to ensure people do not go hungry.

Walsall FC skipper Adam Chambers said: "It's nice if people give to what is a good cause.

"It's the best time for families and getting people together."

Wolves stars have also rallied behind the campaign, with goalkeeper Carl Ikeme urging people to get involved.

"It's a great appeal. It's not always the easiest time of the year. I have been down to the soup kitchen and know what we take for granted," he said.

And captain Danny Batth, who joined is team mate at Wolverhampton's Christmas light switch on, said: "I think if people have got some food spare it's nice to think of other people who are less fortunate."

The campaign was also backed by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay, and his wife, Margaret.

He said: "This is a fantastic appeal and we will be backing it 100 per cent."

The appeal has also received support from Walsall North MP David Winnick, who said: "I am fully supportive of the campaign to support families in need this Christmas.

"Food banks are essential for those in acute difficulties."

The good causes being supported are The Well (The home of Wolverhampton Food Bank), the Good Shepherd Ministry, based in Wolverhampton, the Black Country Food Bank, which has centres across Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall, Smethwick Food Bank, Walsall North Food Bank and Cannock and District Food Bank.

We are also supporting The Haven in Wolverhampton which helps women and children.

Items that can be donated are long-life milk, breakfast cereal, noodle pots,soup, fruit juice, fruit squash, pasta and cooking sauces, rice and sponge puddings, tinned tomatoes, tinned vegetables, tinned meat and meals such a tinned fish, tinned fruit, pasta, rice, cous cous, spaghetti hoops, instant potato and many other items.

We would also be grateful for non-food items such as new socks, scarves, gloves, hats, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, tissues, nappies, baby wipes, baby lotion, sanitary towels, toilet roll and shaving gel/foam.

The appeal will run until December 14. Donations can be dropped off at Express & Star, 51-53 Queen Street, Wolverhampton; Express & Star, Cannock-Walsall office, Queen Square, Cannock and Express & Star, Market Street, Stourbridge.

Donations can also be dropped in to Waitrose, Penn Road, Wolverhampton; The Co-operative Food, Wood Lane/Bakers Way, Codsall, and The Co-op in High Holborn, Sedgley.