TWO Dorchester companies are helping to make a child’s Christmas this year by donating to the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

The Watercress Company and Brace of Butchers, both based near Dorchester, are each donating £100 to help disadvantaged children this Christmas.

Tom Amery, who is the managing director of both companies, said: “We are always delighted to help with the Echo’s toy appeal and this year we need to encourage more organisations to join.

“Most of our charitable work is local and over the years this has become a focus for our businesss, we are delighted to extend the offer with the opening of the Butchers in Poundbury.

The Watercress Company has been donating to the appeal for many years, but it is the first year donating for Brace the Butchers, who opened their doors earlier this year.

Tom said both companies will be supporting the appeal for many years to come and is delighted to see the toy appeal reach its 15th year.

“Fifteen years is a great achievement and many of the children in the early years of the appeal will now be in their late teens and I am sure they are very grateful to the Echo for organising such an event. It’s something that will continue and local support is essential so please contact the echo if you can help.”

“I would absolutely encourage other people and businesses to donate, every donation will have an effect and it’s about being part of the process, collectively ensuring local families receive the support needed in the festive period.

How to donate to the toy appeal: 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.

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 For more details on the Toy Appeal, visit dorsetecho.co.uk/ Christmas/toy_appeal

  • Toy bins have been distributed to dozens of shops and businesses in Weymouth, Portland, Bridport and Dorchester: 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, Morrisons, Weymouth, Sea Life Adventure Park, Weymouth, Tesco, Dorchester, Tesco, Weymouth, Toymaster, Bridport, Toymaster, Dorchester, Value House, Weymouth, WH Smith, Dorchester, WH Smith, Weymouth, Wilko, Weymouth, Daniels Fish and Chips, Littlemoor, Daniels Fish and Chips, Abbotsbury Road, Daniels Fish and Chips, Wyke Regis, Tesco, Portland, Boots, Weymouth, Boots, Dorchester, Fish and Fritz, Weymouth.