CAN you make it a record-breaking Christmas for some of Dorset’s most deprived families?

That’s the question from the Daily Echo Christmas Toy Appeal organiser, Phil Carey, as the big day draws near.

The great-grandfather believes that no-one should be without a gift this festive season – and is asking the Echo’s famously generous readers to help.

In 2012, more than 10,000 presents were donated despite financial difficulties for many.

But this year, we believe we can do even better than that. Phil, 92, said: “The response has been so wonderful.

“I’ve been astonished by the number of toys donated, particularly in the Daily Echo offices in Poole.

“But we want to make sure that everyone has a present underneath the Christmas tree this year.”

The appeal, now in its 17th year, ensures gifts are given to those in need through a number of charities and organisations, including the social services and the Salvation Army.

The appeal officially launched in late November, but throughout last month presents were being donated for children, women in Bournemouth and Poole refuges and young people in children’s homes.

Gifts can be dropped off at the Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, and at the Dolphin Centre in Poole.

They will also be collected at the Lighthouse in Poole and Boots stores in the Sovereign Centre, Commercial Road in Bournemouth, the Dolphin Centre in Poole, Wimborne Road in Winton and Saxon Square in Christchurch.

n For the first time ever, around 100 presents donated to the Daily Echo offices will be donated to children forced to stay in hospital over Christmas through the Amelia-Grace Rainbow Fund.

The charity was set up after eight-year-old Amelia-Grace Cooper died of an aggressive childhood cancer three years ago.