SO far dozens of readers have already donated to this year's toy appeal.

Once again the Daily Echo is running the appeal and we are asking our readers to buy an extra present to ensure that no child goes without a gift under the Christmas tree.

So far we have been blown away by the generosity of some of readers who have dropped off their gifts at the Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, and our Swanage office in Commercial Road.

But we still need more donations to help us bring a little festive magic to sick and disadvantaged children.

After one of our most successful appeals last year the Echo is once again working in partnership with NatWest .

Victims of domestic violence, young people in children’s homes and families receiving support from the social services will all benefit from the appeal.

And once again tots in hospital over Christmas will also receive a toy through the Rainbow Fund, a charity set up in memory of eight-year-old Amelia-Grace Cooper.

The youngster died in 2010 following a battle with a rare form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

The presents will be distributed through organisations and charities including the Bournemouth and Kinson and West Howe foodbanks, the Salvation Army, Townsend Children’s Centre and the Butterfly Foundation to ensure that everyone in need will have a present this Christmas.

John Fewtrell, from the Kinson and West Howe Foodbank, said: "We were completely blown away by the fantastic amount of toys we received through last year's appeal.

"We were truly overwhelmed by the kindness of all those who donated and those toys helped to give many children a happier Christmas.

"There were so many that we have even been able to use them for birthday presents through the year so children who would usually miss out have something to open on their birthday as well.

"Please give what you can this year again, it really does make such a difference."

Toy collection points are located at:

* 4Com - Aviation Park West, Christchurch

* Store and Secure - Castlepoint, Bournemouth

* Top Cat Media - The Creative Quarter, Scotter Road, Bournemouth

* MK Estates & Lettings - Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth

* The Funky Peach, Ashley Road, Poole

Gifts will also be collected at the Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, and our Swanage office in Commercial Road.

There will also be collection bins at NatWest branches in Bournemouth, Westbourne, Poole High Street, Upper Parkstone, Canford Cliffs, Broadstone, Wimborne, Boscombe, Southbourne, Winton, Castlepoint, Christchurch and New Milton.

The Toy Appeal will run until Friday, December 16 so we can get all the gifts wrapped and ready for Christmas delivery.