A generous group from all walks of life have teamed up to make an amazing donation so that needy kids in Dorset have a present under the tree this Christmas.

The Dorset Echo’s 24th annual Christmas Toy Appeal is well underway and it has received another £1,000, this time from a group in Weymouth.

The appeal gives children who may not otherwise get a present receive a gift they can open up on Christmas Day.

The group includes businessmen, ex-businessmen, ex-military and ex-policemen. They wanted to answer the plea to help the growing list of disadvantaged children in the area.

A spokesman for the group said “We were touched by the Echo Toy Appeal, we wanted to do our bit for those families less fortunate during these difficult times by donating £1,000. We hope this helps many more children get a present at Christmas time”

Last year a total of 84 children in Dorset received a gift from the generosity of kind-hearted readers and local businesses who donated a fantastic £5,370.

We are also asking you to give a thought to children in need this Christmas and buy one extra present to go in a Dorset Echo Toy Appeal bin.

Maureen Jolliffe, retail co-ordinator at the Dorset Echo, said: “Make the magic of Christmas reach children and young people across the Dorset Echo area by providing them with a gift they may otherwise not have had.

“You can get involved in this year’s toy appeal by making a toy donation at one of our local retailers. Alternatively, you can make a donation online and we can purchase the gift to make someone smile."

Toy Appeal bins are located at the following locations:

Weymouth

  • Asda,
  • Howley’s
  • Morrisons
  • Tesco Town centre
  • WH Smiths
  • Family Shopper (Abbotsbury Road)
  • Dorchester
  • Tesco
  • Toymaster
  • WH Smiths
  •  Boo’s Toy Shop (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.

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

Donations are also welcomed from readers for any amount, to donate to the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal 2023 please make your payment online at dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal.

Please ensure to include the relevant contact details with your payment.