Santa's helpers are out in force as kind-hearted companies have begun to donate to the Dorset Echo’s 24th Toy Appeal.

Our appeal gathers donations so that children in need will have something to unwrap on Christmas morning.

Sherrens, a printing company based at the Granby Industrial Estate, owned by Andy Sharpe and Clive Garman, has once again backed the campaign after many years of support.

They have donated £100 to this year’s appeal to help give children in the county a present to open on December 25.

Mr Sharpe said: “We understand that it has been a tough year for many, and we just wanted to help.”

Mr Garman said: "We're backing the Toy Appeal again this festive season because we believe no child should go without on Christmas day.

"It's a great initiative that enables businesses to give something back to the community."

Individuals can also support the Toy Appeal by donating new toys and gifts to appeal bins located around the county.

All toys donated will be collected and distributed, before Christmas, to children who really appreciate them.

Every penny of each donation goes directly to providing the gifts to those less fortunate in Dorset.

Sherrens provides a wide range of printing and signage services to its customers from flyers and cards to signs and banners.

As a result of last year’s appeal, 848 children in Dorset received a Christmas present thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted readers and local businesses who donated a fantastic £5,370, along with hundreds of toys.

The toy bins can be found at:
Weymouth: Asda, Howleys, Morrisons, Tesco (town centre) WH Smith, Family Shopper Abbotsbury Road
Dorchester: Tesco, Toymaster, WHSmith, Boo’s Toyshop (Poundbury).
Portland: Co-Op (Easton), Tesco (Easton).
Bridport: Morrisons, Toymaster.
All the toys collected will be distributed before Christmas to children who really
appreciate them.

Debbie Hellaby, Newsquest Group Promotions Manager, said: "This year is going to be harder than ever on families due to the cost-of-living crisis.

“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."

Any businesses wishing to make a £100 donation to the 2023 Dorset Echo toy appeal
should contact maureen.jolliffe@localiq.co.uk, call 01305 830811 or visit https://
store.newsquest.co.uk/donations.

Donations are also welcomed from readers for any amount.