THE POPPY Appeal needs people power as illness has affected the dedicated team of volunteers.

Helpers who year after year round up collection tins across Weymouth are unable to carry out their duties.

Just an hour or two and a vehicle is all that’s needed to help the charity which supports ex and serving members of the armed forces.

Chairman of the Weymouth branch of the Royal British Legion Naomi Turner said: “We have about 400 tins across the area, so we’re hoping to get enough volunteers to collect about 20 each.

“People are so generous with their donations and it’s for a good cause. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but it means a great deal to us.”

Volunteers should be able to lift the tins and be available for an hour or two between November 12 and 13.

The Royal British Legion is also looking for careful counters to help tot up the money raised from collections.

This will take place between November 14 and 16 at the charity’s King Street base.

Mrs Turner has been chairman of the Weymouth branch since 2001 and was the first woman to be appointed to the role in 30 years.

She had organised the town’s appeal and was a member of the Legion’s committee for eight years before taking over as chairman.

Mrs Turner added: “I’d love to hear from anyone who’s available in the daytime during that week.

“We have a fantastic team of volunteers and it’s just unfortunate that illness has affected the team.”

If you would like to help call Mrs Turner on 01305 760495.

LET US KNOW
EACH day in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday we will be profiling volunteers and organisations which are supporting the Poppy Appeal.

We will take a closer look at the individuals who give up their time to raise money for and support the Royal British Legion.

We’ll be profiling poppy sellers, veterans and serving members of the armed forces who are working locally to make the 2012 appeal a success.

Call the Dorset Echo on 01305 830999 or email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk