THE spirit of Christmas is in each of us, proves Exeter Baby Bank, as they embark on the sixth year of their Christmas gift appeal.

With the help of the community putting together gift bags, the appeal makes sure disadvantaged children in the area still have something to open on Christmas morning. This year, thanks to Bovey’s Liane Collins’ offer to house a collection point, those in Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot area can donate with more ease.

Kate Smith of the Baby Bank said: ‘It’s a bit like the shoebox appeal. We ask people to put together a gift bag of presents for a particular gender and aged child between newborn and 11 years old.

‘On the form on our Facebook page, those wanting to put together a gift can see what is needed and what is lacking.

‘The guide we use is a book, a soft toy, a treat, something to make and something to play with. We also have a Wishlist that can be found on our Facebook, and we make up bags from the Amazon Wishlist.’

For the Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey area, Liane Collins has volunteered to organise collection and drop-off from her home in Bovey Tracey.

She said: ‘I donated a gift bag with my little boy last year, and this year, it’s great. If people can’t get to Exeter, then they drop off with me or I can pick up and do one big drive.’

The success of the appeal is growing each year last year they catered for about 600 children.

Kate said: “I did it when my children were younger, it’s nice to think on Christmas morning ‘Oh I wonder what the little girl thinks of what you bought her!’

She said: ‘Local youth groups, playgroups and businesses get involved. Some ompanies do it instead of Secret Santa.

‘It’s really feel-good, people really enjoy it. On Christmas morning you know someone has something who otherwise might not have.’

Those wanting to get involved can visit the Exeter Baby Bank Facebook Page.

In the Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey area, contributors can arrange pick-up or drop-off of their gifts by emailing Liane at [email protected].

The deadline for gift bags is Thursday, November 9.