A local football club is proud to support an appeal to buy presents to make sure every child has a present to look forward to under the tree this Christmas.

Portland United Football Club has generously donated £100 to the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

The appeal gives children who may not otherwise get a present receive a gift they can open up on Christmas Day.

The club's Josh Barton said: "I think especially at this time of year it is important to remember how important community is and to help in any way we can those that are in need.

"We feel honoured to be part of the appeal because it is making a real difference to people's lives.

"We have been supporting the appeal since it started and are absolutely honoured to be a part of it. Making sure that kids have a present at Christmas is something we feel is important as a club." 

Last year a total of 84 children in Dorset received a gift from the generosity of kind-hearted readers and local businesses who donated a fantastic £5,370.

We are also asking you to give a thought to children in need this Christmas and buy one extra present to go in a Dorset Echo Toy Appeal bin.

Maureen Jolliffe, retail co-ordinator at the Dorset Echo, said: “Make the magic of Christmas reach children and young people across the Dorset Echo area by providing them with a gift they may otherwise not have had.

“You can get involved in this year’s toy appeal by making a toy donation at one of our local retailers. Alternatively, you can make a donation online and we can purchase the gift to make someone smile."

Toy Appeal bins are located at the following locations:

Weymouth

  • Asda,
  • Howley’s
  • Morrisons
  • Tesco Town centre
  • WH Smiths
  • Family Shopper (Abbotsbury Road)
  • Dorchester
  • Tesco
  • Toymaster
  • WH Smiths
  •  Boo’s Toy Shop (Poundbury)

Portland

  • Co-Op (Easton)
  •  Tesco (Easton)

Bridport

  • Morrisons
  • Toymaster

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

Any businesses wishing to make a £100 donation to the 2023 Dorset Echo toy appeal should contact maureen.jolliffe@ localiq.co.uk, or call 01305 830811.

Donations are also welcomed from readers for any amount, to donate to the Dorset Echo Toy Appeal 2023 please make your payment online at dorsetecho.co.uk/toyappeal.

Please ensure to include the relevant contact details with your payment.