A WEYMOUTH based lettings agency has given its support to our Christmas Toy Appeal by making a generous donation.

Good Move Lettings has given £100 to the Dorset Echo’s 2021 Christmas Toy Appeal with every penny going towards buying presents for children that live in the area who would not have anything to unwrap on Christmas Day.

Proprietor Matthew Sowden has been donating to the appeal since the company was created several years ago.

He said: “It’s something I have been doing since the inception of Good Move Lettings four years ago.

Read more: Dorset Echo is launching its annual Christmas Toy Appeal - this is how you can help

“It’s nice to be involved, even more so now because we need to dig deep for the people who need it.

“I’ve got two daughters. I could not think of anything worse if I could not get them something to open on Christmas day.”

Mr Sowden says that being a parent himself shines a light on why it is even more important to help those less fortunate.

He said: “We were all kids once but not necessarily all parents which does help.

“It’s good that it goes locally, we always try to do things locally even when we are buying new equipment.”

Last year the Dorset Echo raised its highest ever amount of £5,432 for the campaign, despite the pandemic.

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.”

As a result of the pandemic last year the toy collections bins were not put out, but for 2021 the Weymouth Rotary Club will be helping with the collection of the gifts by Dorset residents.

Ms Hellaby added: “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 2021 Dorset Echo toy appeal should contact maureen.jolliffe@localiq.co.uk or call 01305 830811.

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.

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