A SHUTTERS and blinds company has donated to this year’s Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

Lighthouse Shutters, based in Chickerell, has kindly donated £100 to the appeal - with every penny of their donation going towards buying presents for children that live in the area who would not have anything to unwrap on Christmas Day otherwise.

“We have been lucky enough to continue working except for the first lockdown and obviously not everyone has been as fortunate so we’re able to pass that on a bit,” said Michelle Sherratt, company director.

“It really helps those who are less fortunate because Christmas is a good time to remember.

“It is extremely important for everyone to remember at Christmas and look out for others especially the vulnerable.”

Last year the Dorset Echo raised its highest ever amount of £5,432 despite the pandemic and thanks to generous donations like this is on track to beat it again.

Debbie Hellaby Newsquest Group Promotions Manager said: “Sourcing, collecting and organising the toys for hundreds of children is not an easy task, the toys are usually matched to the age and interest of each child individually.

“We are delighted to accept the support of the Weymouth Rotary Club to facilitate the collection and collation of toys.”

Weymouth Rotary have supported the appeal for several years now and their help this year means that the gifts can be successfully collated as well as their donation which means more gifts can be supplied for children in Dorset to open on December 25.

How to donate

Toys can be dropped off in Weymouth at Asda, Howleys, Morrisons, Tesco (in the town centre), WH Smith and Wilkinsons.

While in Dorchester the drop-off points are at Tesco, Toymaster, WH Smith and Boo’s Toyshop, Poundbury.

On Portland collection bins are at the Co-Op and Tesco, in Easton, while in Bridport the bins are located at Morrisons and Toymaster.