A ROARING club at the beating heart of Weymouth and Portland's communities has once again gone above and beyond to donate to this year's Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

Weymouth & Portland Lions Club has kindly donated £200 to the appeal with every penny of the donation going towards buying presents for children who live in the area who would otherwise not have anything to unwrap on Christmas Day.

President Kevin Brookes said the club is long-serving donator to the Echo's toy appeal.

READ MORE: Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal 2021 backed by Lighthouse Shutters

He said: "It's the 22nd time in total the club has been involved with the initiative.

"We're able to raise cash through hosting certain events throughout the year including the Weymouth Beach Motocross on October 10, and other upcoming events such as the Annual Variety Show on November 30 and the Christmas Harbour Day Swim.

"It's important to raise cash for good causes at any time of year, but it's especially important this festive season after the two-year damage left by the pandemic. I'm sure people with children have felt the pinch more so than most."

Last year the Dorset Echo raised its highest ever amount of £5,432 despite the pandemic, beating the previous year’s total of £4,933.05

Weymouth & Portland Lions Club has supported the appeal for since it was established. Their help this year means that the gifts can be successfully collated to be delivered to children in Dorset to open on December 25.

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.

On Portland collection points are at the 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.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830999

e: sam.mckeown

@newsquest.co.uk

twitter: @SamMcKReporter