The Christmas spirit is well and truly alive as kind-hearted companies have begun donating to the Dorset Echo’s 25th Toy Appeal

It means that children who are less fortunate will still have something to unwrap from Santa on Christmas morning.

Last year our campaign raised more than £5,125 and helped more than 700 children across the region, including Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and Bridport.

As it was last year, Sherrens, a printing company based on the Granby Industrial Estate has become the first business to donate.

They provide a wide range of printing and signage services to its customers from flyers and cards to signs and banners.

The printing firm's owners Andy Sharpe and Clive Garman have backed the Toy Appeal for many years and are delighted to once again donate £100 to the cause.

Mr Sharpe said: “We understand that it has been a tough year for many, and we just wanted to help.”

Mr Garman added: "We're backing the Toy Appeal again this festive season because we believe no child should go without on Christmas Day.

"It's a great initiative that enables businesses to give something back to the community."

Individuals can also support the Toy Appeal by donating new toys and gifts to our appeal bins located around the county.

All toys donated will be collected and distributed to children who really appreciate them just before Christmas

Every penny of each donation goes directly to providing the gifts to those less fortunate in Dorset.

To make a £100 donation to the appeal please visit https://store.newsquest.co.uk/toyappeal

Dorset Echo Toy Appeal collection bins are located at: 

Weymouth

  • Asda
  • Howleys
  • Morrisons
  • Tesco (town centre)
  • WH Smith
  • Family Shopper, Abbotsbury Road

Dorchester

  • Tesco
  • Toymaster
  • WH SMith
  • Boo's Toyshop, Poundbury

Portland

  • Co-op, Easton
  • Tesco, Easton

Bridport

  • Morrisons
  • Toymaster