FESTIVE cheer will be shared this Christmas thanks to another £100 donation to the Echo Toy Appeal.

The Weymouth and Hotel Guest House and Leaseholders Association have generously given £100 towards the campaign which will help provide toys for underprivileged children in Dorset this Christmas.

This year marks the second year the association has supported the appeal and now chairman Dave Price is urging others to follow suit.

He said: “This is the second year we have supported the Toy Appeal because we think it is a fantastic cause.

“Everyone is in tough times at the moment but the appeal is all about giving a little bit back if you can.

“Christmas is primarily for children after all, so the appeal helps to make sure children across Dorset have a great Christmas.”

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.

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

n 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 toy appeal has been able to provide so many toys and gifts to needy children.

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 & Dorchester

Curtis Wright, Bridport

Fish and Fritz, Weymouth

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park

Greg Cameron-Day, Dorchester