A family-run business has become the latest to donate 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.

Portland Stone Ltd have now donated £100 to the toy appeal.

The company, which is based on Portland, operates with a community-based ethic that was implanted by founder John ‘Butch’ Nash in 1997.

It provides a vast array of aggregate products, skip sizes, and waste disposal services and boasts an extensive fleet of heavy goods vehicles of various sizes, including skip loaders, hook loaders, grab lorries and tippers.

Sam Lees, sales manager at Portland Stone, was more than happy for the company to donate and talked about the reasons behind its donation.

He said: "We're proud to support the Toy Appeal. Many Families take toys and presents for granted nowadays, but the kids these presents go to will genuinely make a big difference. It's nice knowing that they will have a little bit of Christmas magic on Christmas morning.

"A lot of the workforce here have kids or grandkids themselves, so the Toy Appeal is absolutely something that's very close to our hearts.

"I hope it's something a lot more local businesses get on board with this year more than ever, to give these children memories they can really cherish.

"Here at Portland Stone we try and support local charities and families as much as possible".

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