'SUPPORTING children at Christmas and putting a smile on their face' is why one Weymouth store is backing this year's Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

Value House on Mandeville Road in Wyke Regis has backed the toy appeal for more than eight years and staff at the store said they are thrilled so support such a 'great cause' for another year.

Last year a record-breaking £4,700 was raised last year, which meant hundreds of needy and less fortunate children across Dorset had a toy to open on Christmas morning.

This year the Echo are hoping to at least match this amount to ensure we can give a present to every child who needs one.

Lee Mitchell, manager at Value House, said: "The Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal is something we have been part of for I think about the last nine years and we are very happy to support it. It's a great cause and we hope that everyone gets involved. We already have some donations but it is still early doors and I know the bin will be overflowing by the end of the appeal.

"This appeal is something that is close to everybody's hearts. Supporting children at Christmas who are less fortunate than us and putting a smile on their faces is of course something we want to be part of."

Value house is just one of 27 stores and businesses across the county that have Christmas Toy Appeal collection bins or collection pots in their store.

All of the money raised is used to provide toys and gifts to needy youngsters at Christmas and all donations are gratefully received.

We are looking for 40 businesses to each donate £100, which will be used to buy gifts and vouchers.

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.

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

The appeal 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

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830985

e: meghan.hindley@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoMeg