STAFF at a Weymouth store are helping out those in need this Christmas by backing the Echo Toy Appeal.

WHSmith in St Mary Street has signed up to the spirit of Christmas and is now ready to take donations in its toy bin.

It is just one of 23 collection points where readers can drop off presents for the annual appeal.

Now in its 12th year, the Echo’s Toy Appeal makes sure children across south and west Dorset have a present to wake up to on Christmas morning.

Sales assistant James Buckley said: “This appeal is all about helping those that are less fortunate than you are.

“It’s about doing something for the greater good and I’ll definitely be donating a toy – it’s so important to give during the festive season.

“We get lots of donations every year and customers often buy a gift for the toy bin when they come in to store to do their shopping.

“Usually these are books or gadget toys and they all go to a worthy cause.”

The Toy Appeal is part of the Echo’s Give Back This Christmas Campaign in which the paper will highlight all good deeds and festive spirit over the next few months.

Toy bins have been placed across the county for donations of toys, games and arts and crafts materials.

The Dorset Echo on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth and the Echo Dorchester office in Antelope Walk are also accepting donations.

Readers can find places to drop off presents in Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland and Bridport.

There are also a number of collection pots for loose change and cash donations – no amount is too small.

Please only donate new, unwrapped presents and please no cuddly toys.

The Echo is also looking for businesses to sign up to donate £100 to the appeal.

This money will go to top up the funds raised by the appeal and ensure that every child that has registered for a present receives one.

Last year more than 30 businesses were involved.

Hwo to donate to the Echo Toy Appeal

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.