ROTARIANS have backed this year’s Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal with a generous donation, as well helping to collect donated toys from various drop-off points across the county.

Weymouth Rotary Club has given £100 to the appeal with every penny going towards buying presents for children who would otherwise not have anything to unwrap on Christmas Day.

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.”

Last year the Dorset Echo raised its highest ever amount of £5,432, but toy collection bins were unable to be put out because of the Covid pandemic.

Thanks to support from the Rotary Club, the bins have returned this year.

Members of the organisation will be involved in collecting the toys kindly donated by the residents of Dorset for those who are less fortunate in the county.

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 Weymouth Rotary Club to facilitate the collection and collation of toys.”

Weymouth Rotary has supported the appeal for several years.

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, people can donate toys at Co-Op and Tesco, in Easton, while in Bridport the bins are located at Morrisons and Toymaster.

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