Lulworth Castle helps to boost Echo toy appeal

Lulworth Castle is the home of the Weld family and they have donated presents and a cheque for £100 to the appeal to ensure that underprivileged children in Dorset have a happy Christmas this year.

Now in its eleventh year, the Echo Christmas Toy Appeal makes sure that children in Dorset have a present to open on Christmas morning.

There are 23 shops, supermarkets and toy stores across the county that are acting as collection points for gifts and so far the response has been good and with less than a month to go, the appeal is in full swing.

Sally Weld said: “As president of the Dorset branch of the NSPCC, I am well aware of the hardships faced at Christmas time for some families, especially in relation to buying presents. We have lots of young visitors to Lulworth Castle and they have the time of their lives here.

“It is always a pleasure to see the youngsters enjoying themselves, which is why we wanted to donate to the Echo Toy Appeal, it is a really great idea and we are very happy to support this worthwhile cause for the second year running.”

The toys and gifts collected will be added to the donations by readers.

As part of the Christmas Toy Appeal the Echo is encouraging businesses to get involved with the 20 for 2010 campaign. The campaign is looking for 20 companies to donate £100 each to the appeal.

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

Any businesses wishing to get involved should contact the Toy Appeal office on 01305 830815.

Vouchers for the toy appeal can be sent to the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal at Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD.

The Dorset Echo on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth and Antelope Walk in Dorchester are also accepting donations of toys, games and arts and craft materials for the appeal.

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