Struggling children have a reason to smile at Christmas thanks to kind-hearted business

Money Matters of Park Street in Weymouth has kindly donated £100 to the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal, which will help provide toys for underprivileged children in the county.

The business is a long-term supporter of the Toy Appeal, which is now in its 20th year.

Local firms have been quick to step forward and add their contributions - every penny of which will be spent on gifts to make it a special year for children who would otherwise go without.

Presents will be distributed by social workers and carers to make sure that babies, children and teenagers have a reason to smile on Christmas morning.

Money Matters owner Brian Sheppard said: “I am delighted to be supporting the Toy Appeal again this year. It is a wonderful campaign that gives so many local children something to smile about at Christmas.

“As a father and a grandfather, this is a cause close to my heart and I welcome the opportunity to support the Toy Appeal each year.

“I would like to encourage other local businesses to donate so that even more children can benefit from the Toy Appeal in 2019 on its 20th anniversary.”

Last year, readers and businesses raised a record-breaking grand total of £4,782.97 and we need your help again to beat this target.

Dorset Echo promotions manager Debbie Hellaby said: “Without the support of our readers and businesses we would not be able to help put smiles on all those families’ faces at Christmas, so a big ‘thank you’ in advance of your help.”

Readers can donate online by visiting visit dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal where you can quickly make a one off payment of £100.

Every penny will go towards helping children who may have suffered neglect, abuse or be living in refuges with their mothers. Many are in the care of families who simply cannot afford to buy them something special for Christmas.

Businesses that would like to make a £100 donation should email mjolliffe@newsquest.co.uk