A COTTAGE rental agency has signed up to support to this year’s Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal to bring festive joy to underprivileged children.
Dream Cottages, based in Weymouth, has given £100 to the Dorset Echo’s 2021 appeal.
All of the money raised will go towards buying presents for children that live in the area who would not have anything to unwrap on Christmas Day in the county.
Managing director, Joy Sangster, has been supporting the campaign for years and is pleased to be doing so again this year.
She said: “It’s something we have been keen to support in previous years and we have tried to do it every year.
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“This year, in particular, it is important with the uncertainty of Covid-19 it is even more relevant and important now.”
Ms Sangster has said the donation just feels like something ‘we should be doing’ in a bid to help other people.
She added: “It is a cause close to our heart and we try to do our bit.”
Dream Cottages provides holiday cottages to let, with more than 300 self-catering venues all across Dorset on its portfolio.
Last year the Dorset Echo raised its highest ever amount of £5,432 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.”
Toy collection bins could not be put out last year due to Covid but with the help of Weymouth Rotary Club they will be returning this year for people to donate gifts.
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.
In Dorchester the drop-off points are at Tesco, Toymaster, WH Smith and Boo’s Toyshop, Poundbury.
In Portland collection points are at the Co-Op, Easton and Tesco, Easton, while in Bridport the bins are located at Morrisons and Toymaster.
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