YOU can help make a difference to underprivileged children this Christmas.

The Dorset Echo is today launching its 22nd Christmas Toy Appeal – and we need your help.

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

We were unable to put our toy collections bins out last year due to the pandemic but they are going out this year. We're grateful to Weymouth Rotary Club whose members will be helping us with the toy collections.

Despite the pandemic, last year we received the highest amount of donations ever - £5,432.

We are asking you to give a thought to needy children this Christmas, and buy one extra present to go in a Dorset Echo Toy Appeal bins. You can see locations of bins below.

Dorset Echo: Dorset Echo Toy Appeal logo 2021

All the toys collected will be distributed before Christmas to children who really appreciate them.

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."

President of Weymouth Rotary Club Jerry Way said: “Weymouth Rotary Club is proud to assist with the Echo’s Toy Appeal for 2021. It’s a fabulous fundraiser benefitting kids in need in our community at Christmas.

"Well done to you all at the Echo, fantastic work."

What you can donate to Christmas Toy Appeal

Here’s a few suggestions if you are donating toys (please no second hand or soft toys!):

For children aged 0-4: Dolls, cars, building bricks, rattles, VTech toys or similar.

For children aged 5-12: Board games, Magnetix, Lego, Barbie, remote control cars, action heroes, interactive toys, arts & crafts items.

For older children aged 13-16: Arts & crafts, beauty sets.

How can I make a donation?

Any businesses wishing to make a £100 donation to the 2021 Dorset Echo toy appeal should contact maureen.jolliffe@localiq.co.uk or call 01305 830811.

Alternatively you can make a donation at dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal

Where can I drop off toys?

Collection Points will be accepting toy donations from November 1 until December 5, 2021

Dorset Echo Toy Appeal collection bins are located at:

  • Weymouth: Asda; Howleys; Morrisons; Tesco (town centre); WH Smith; Wilkinsons
  • Portland: Co-Op - Easton; Tesco - Easton
  • Dorchester: Tesco; Toymaster; WH Smith; Boo’s Toyshop, Poundbury
  • Bridport: Morrisons; Toymaster