All of these generous businesses have donated £100 to this year's Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal

Donations of £100 are arriving every day at the Echo offices for the 2018 Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

TJA Caravan Sales and Consultancy

Terry Ansell, director of TJA Caravan Sales and Consultancy, said he decided to take part after reading about the Toy Appeal in the Echo.

He said: "We really wanted to do something to help.

"We have grandchildren of our own who we enjoy buying presents for, but we know there are many who aren't as fortunate and won't get anything this time of year.

"We usually donate to charities such as Children in Need, but we particularly like this because it is going towards local children.

"The Toy Appeal is something we have always considered doing and we will definitely be supporting it again next year".

TJA Caravan Sales and Consultancy is based in Weymouth, sourcing good quality second-hand caravan holiday homes to holiday parks and for private self build projects, as well as providing sales and marketing advice.

The husband-and-wife team established the company in 2012, after a long history of supplying caravans to the holiday industry.

Company director Cinamon Ansell added: “This is what Christmas is all about really - it's a time for giving - some people seem to have forgotten that, so we're really pleased to be helping share some Christmas spirit".

Bladen Social Club

Members of Bladen Social Club in Briantspuddle have been particularly resourceful when it comes to fundraising, whilst doing their bit to recycle at the same time.

Sue Jeanes of Bladen Social Club said: "People in the village donate their used newspapers to us, which we sell for animal bedding - all the money raised goes to charity.

"It all adds up at the end of the day - most villagers contribute newspapers to the scheme, which means this donation from the Bladen Club is being made on behalf of the whole community.

"We're a very family-oriented organisation, helping others who are less fortunate is something that's important to us.

"I hope as many people as possible support the appeal."

Bladen Social Club is in the centre of Briantspuddle and was built entirely by villagers in 1957 as a meeting place for families and their friends.

The club is normally open on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 8 to 11:30pm and on Sunday lunchtime from 12pm to 1:30pm. For more information, drop into the club during opening hours.

Brace of Butchers

Family-owned Brace of Butchers, based at Poundbury, Dorchester, has supported the appeal for several years. The business' festive contribution will guarantee a visit from Santa for children whose parents would otherwise be unable to afford presents.

Manager Mark Vaughan said: "Family values are at the heart of everything we do, and the Echo's Christmas Toy Appeal is very much in line with our own company ethos.

"Christmas should be a special time of year and every child deserves to wake up to presents - but we know that the reality of that can be difficult for many parents.

"We're pleased to have the opportunity to directly help local people who need it most via the Toy Appeal, and would like to encourage any other businesses to get involved with this worthy cause, if they are in a position to do so."

Brace of Butchers was established in 2014 and has been recognised with local and national awards for its service to Dorchester and the surrounding area.

The business maintains a close relationship with its suppliers, buying direct from local farmers and producers and taking 'extreme care' when sourcing products.

Over 64 cuts of meat are available at the counter, with local bread, beers, ciders, gin, sparkling wine, game, smoked seafood, cheeses, fresh-baked goods and a range of local and international charcuterie also on sale.

Society of Dorset Men

The Society of Dorset Men will also be making Christmas special for the county's disadvantaged children.

Vice chair Andy Prowse said: "The Society of Dorset Men has helped the Echo's Toy Appeal for the past several years and we wanted to be involved again.

"As a society we focus our fundraising efforts on Dorset-based causes, and have a long-standing tradition of donating to children's charities to support future generations of the county.

"I would like to urge other associations to take part in the Toy Appeal - it's such a worthwhile thing to do and the money helps people in the community who will really appreciate it."

The society is believed to have formed as far back as the 17th century. Records from around that time indicate that there were "friendly meetings of Dorset men" working in London, and in 1904 the society was formally established, supported by letters from prominent individuals. One such individual was Thomas Hardy, who chose the society's familiar motto: 'who's afeard'.

Other notable members include the society's first president, Sir Frederick Treves Bart, a surgeon who operated on King Edward VII and John Merrick (aka the Elephant Man), and Lord Mayor of London Sir Anthony Jolliffe, who was from Weymouth.

With around 1,200 members, the society encourages members to be enthusiastic about all things Dorset- not forgetting the Dorset dialect- and to foster a love and pride of the county, its history, culture and traditions.

RAOB Frederick Simmonds Lodge

Kindly brothers of a Weymouth RAOB lodge have also donated.

Graeme Kiely of the RAOB Frederick Simmonds Lodge explained that the main purpose of the RAOB is to raise money for charitable causes.

Fortunately, every penny of the money raised through the Toy Appeal will be spent on Christmas presents for underprivileged children.

Mr Kiely said: "We build up a little pot throughout the year and nominate where to donate the funds.

"One of our brothers here at the lodge saw the Toy Appeal in the Echo and we all agreed it was an important cause to get behind.

"We always try to help local charities. If it's something that's close to one of our members' hearts, we try to support it.

"I have two teenage kids, so for me the Toy Appeal is something I believe in.

"It's a really worthwhile cause for anybody who has children - or even if you don't - people need to get behind young people facing difficult times and give them a little bit of hope.

"In particular, for kids in care it's extra special that they will receive something brand new.

"The lodge is proud to be supporting the appeal for the second year and we hope to do so again in 2019."

RAOB stands for Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. The organisation is believed to have been founded in 1822 and its principal aims are friendship, charitable works, social activity and mutual support.

Mr Kiely said the Frederick Simmonds Lodge is facing dwindling numbers and hopes to attract new members.

He added: "A lot of people don't know what we're about.

"We meet one night a week, have a little bit of fun and raise money for charity. It would be nice to see more people join up."

The group meets on Monday evenings at 8:30pm at the Conservative Club on Dorchester Road. People interested in joining can come along for an informal chat.

Debbie Hellaby, Dorset Echo promotions manager, said: "Christmas is only just round the corner, so the race is really on to make it a special year for the many underprivileged children in our community.

"We're incredibly grateful to all the organisations that have come on board so far - but we still need more to help beat last year's total of £4,644.52."

To find out how your business can get involved and be featured in the Echo, email mjolliffe@newsquest.co.uk

or call 01305 830811.