A PHOTOGRAPH framing company will help spread smiles among Dorset children this Christmas thanks to their £100 donation to the Toy Appeal.

Art 4 All on Abbotsbury Road in Weymouth has generously given £100 towards the campaign which will help provide toys for underprivileged children in Dorset this Christmas.

This year marks the first year the framing business has donated to the appeal, and now joint owners Anne and Bob Coppinger are urging other businesses to follow suit.

Mrs Coppinger said: “Here at Art 4 All we decided this year would be the perfect year to donate to the Echo Toy Appeal.

“We think the appeal is a great idea which gives something back at Christmas time and supports local children who may be less privileged.

“Christmas is for children primarily and there are those in this county in particular that struggle each year.

“Therefore we would strongly encourage other businesses or those who can donate to also back the appeal, because it is a fantastic cause.”

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. Businesses can help out by donating £100 to top up the funds raised so even more toys can be purchased.

Last year sacks of presents filled the Weymouth office before social workers and carers took them to deliver to underprivileged youngsters.

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

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.

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 & 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