MAYOR of Weymouth and Portland Ray Banham will be sharing magic this festive season with a Toy Appeal donation from his Christmas Fund.

The £100 generously donated to the Toy Appeal will help provide toys for underprivileged children in Dorset this Christmas.

The annual Christmas Fund was launched by Coun Banham last month and aims to raise as much as possible to improve the lives of people within the community.

Last year more than £2,200 was raised for good causes.

Coun Banham said: “This year’s Christmas Fund will help those in need this festive period, not just the elderly but for all ages.

“This is the first year we have donated to the Toy Appeal from the fund because we think it is a truly fantastic cause and one of the things that requires help this year.

“I would encourage others to donate – even just one contribution can make all the difference.”

Almost £4,000 was raised last year and thousands of new toys were donated to underprivileged children across Dorset to open on Christmas day.

Toys can be donated to appeal bins in shops and businesses across the area.

Businesses can help out by donating £100 to top up the funds raised so even more toys can be purchased.

Last year sacks of presents filled the Weymouth office before social workers and carers took them to deliver to underprivileged youngsters.

All the gifts collected will go to children who may have suffered neglect, abuse or be living in refugees with their mothers.

Many are in the care of families who simply cannot afford to buy them something special for Christmas.

The Echo offices in Weymouth and Dorchester are also accepting donations.

In addition, donations to the Mayor’s Christmas fund of any amount are gratefully received and can be sent to Mayor’s Christmas Fund Appeal, Council Offices, North Quay, Weymouth, DT4 8TA or they can be dropped in at the reception desk where appeal envelopes are available.

n We are looking for 30 businesses to donate £100 each for our appeal.

Each donation is gratefully received and all those donating £100 will be featured in the Echo.

To donate £100 call Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830815 or email debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk

COLLECTION POINTS:

Asda, Weymouth

Bridport and Lyme Regis News, Bridport

The Co-op, Easton, Portland

Dorset Echo, Dorchester

Dorset Echo, Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth

Goulds Garden Centre, Littlemoor

Howleys Toymaster, Weymouth Howleys Toymaster Lego shop, Weymouth

Howleys Toymaster pre-school shop, Weymouth

Morrisons, Bridport & Weymouth

Tesco, Dorchester & Weymouth

Toymaster, Bridport

Toymaster, Dorchester

Value House, Weymouth

WH Smith, Dorchester & Weymouth

Wilkinsons, Weymouth

Daniels Fish and Chips, Littlemoor, Abbotsbury Road & Wyke Regis

Tesco, Portland

Boots, Weymouth and Dorchester

Curtis Wright, Bridport

Fish and Fritz, Weymouth

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park

Greg Cameron-Day, Dorchester