PORTLAND shoppers are being thanked for their generosity in already donating to the Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

The Portland Tesco store is backing the appeal once again this year and customers are being urged to spare what they can and drop any spare change into the store collection pot or contribute to the store’s collection bin.

Last year thousands of brand new toys were donated to underprivileged children across Dorset to unwrap on Christmas Day.

The Tesco store on Portland has been supporting the Echo’s Christmas Toy Appeal since it opened two years ago.

Debbie Lindoe, store community champion, said: “We only got the toy appeal collection bin two weeks ago but already we have been given so many toys – which is absolutely fantastic.

“Here at Portland Tesco we think the Echo Toy Appeal is a fantastic way to give a helping hand this Christmas, and would urge our customers to spare what they can and help make a difference.”

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

Shoppers can drop something in when they are out and about doing their Christmas shopping and businesses can get involved by donating £100 to the appeal.

All the gifts collected will go to children who may have been suffering abuse, neglect, be living in refuges with their mothers or may be in the care of families who simply cannot afford to buy them something special for Christmas.

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

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

This has been amazingly successful in previous years and has been the main way that the has been able to provide so many toys and gifts to needy children.

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