THE Echo is today launching its 12th Christmas Toy Appeal.

Over the years we have donated tens of thousands of toys and gifts to needy youngsters across south and west Dorset.

Last year local businesses raised £3,300 and hundreds of presents were donated and we are appealing for everyone to give generously again this year.

Collection bins have been placed at a number of shops across Dorset ready to collect toys, games and arts and crafts materials.

The first bin was delivered to Value House, Wyke Regis, where staff are preparing for their customers’ generous donations.

Supervisor Tony Swatton said: “It’s important to help those in need all year round, but even more so at Christmas.

“It’s so important to remember there are those much less fortunate than you at this time.”

Last year 30 businesses donated £100 each, with several giving more and there were also several generous donations from readers who did not wish to be named.

We are asking businesses to again donate £100 to the appeal.

Piles of sacks filled to the brim with presents lined the Echo office in Weymouth before social and charity workers collected them to give to hundreds of needy children across Dorset.

This year the Echo would like to help just as many children and is looking for more businesses to donate £100.

Companies wishing to donate to the Toy Appeal should call the Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830815.

County Council social worker Rachel Newman said: “We work with lots of children who are in need and identify those throughout the year who would benefit from this campaign.

“Every single family that has benefited from the Toy Appeal are so grateful that a stranger has gone to the effort to give their child a happy Christmas.”

Dorset Echo editor Toby Granville said: “We hope that our Give Back This Christmas campaign gives businesses, local organisations and charities the chance to highlight their good work before Christmas.

“The Toy Appeal is an integral part of the campaign. We know these are tough economic times but we hope that local businesses and our readers can find a little bit extra to help those less fortunate at this time of year.

“Please do get in touch if you have anything planned or you want to highlight the fact that you are giving back this Christmas.”

* Email us at newsdesk@ dorsetecho.co.uk and tell us how you’re giving back this Christmas.

* Please only donate new, unwrapped presents to the Toy Appeal and please, no cuddly toys – we get more than we can cope with.

How to donate

Businesses: Please donate £100. In previous years this has been amazingly successful and has been the main way that the toy appeal has been able to provide toys and gifts to needy children.

Every donation is gratefully received – and all those donating £100 will be featured in the Echo. To donate £100 please call Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830815 or email debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk

Last year more than 30 businesses donated to the toy appeal.

Readers – £3 text: Text ECHOTOY to 80360.

Texts cost £3 plus your normal operator text charge.

Text lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.

After network charges which vary between networks, all profit which is approx £2 per text will be donated to the Toy Appeal.

Lines are open now and will be disconnected on 14/12/2011 at 23.59pm.

Bin locations

Asda, Weymouth.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News, Bridport.

Co-op, Easton, Portland.

Dorset Echo, Dorchester.

Dorset Echo, Granby.

Goulds Garden Centre, Littlemoor, Weymouth.

Howleys, Weymouth.

Howleys Junior Shop, Weymouth.

Morrisons, Weymouth.

Tesco, Dorchester.

Tesco, Weymouth.

Toymaster, Dorchester.

Value House, Weymouth.

Wellchester, Dorchester.

WH Smith, Dorchester.

WH Smith, Weymouth.

Wilkinsons, Weymouth.

M&S, Weymouth.

Tesco, Portland.

Argos, Dorchester.

Boots, Weymouth.