POOLE residents have responded in their hundreds to a campaign for gifts to the Daily Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.

Now in its 17th year, the annual donation drop aims to ensure that less-fortunate or ill children are not forgotten by Father Christmas on December 25.

Each year we ask you, our readers, to bring in a present for a child who may otherwise miss out over the festive season, which will then be distributed through organisations and charities.

These include the Salvation Army, social services, Townsend Children’s Centre and the Butterfly Foundation.

Pamela Orchard, front office sales assistant at Daily Echo, said: “In my experience of working in the Poole office, I think that these are the most toys that we have ever had, and in particular, it is amazing that people brought them in from mid-November.”

She added: “The people of Poole have shown generosity and kindness in donating some many wonderful toys for the children and particularly when many people have less money in their pockets, the response has been overwhelming.

“On behalf of all the children who will be given a present this Christmas, I would like to say a big thank you and Merry Christmas to you all.”

Phil Carey added: “Thank you to everyone across Dorset who has given to the Toy Appeal.

“You are all so kind and we have had a fantastic response this year. I cannot tell you how much it means to the children and it is wonderful to see the smile on their faces.”

n Visit the Daily Echo offices in Bournemouth, on Richmond Hill or in Poole, next to the Dolphin Centre, or one of the other drop-off points, including the Lighthouse Poole.

Or alternatively visit any of the Boots stores at the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe, Commercial Road in Bournemouth, Dolphin Centre in Poole, Wimborne Road in Winton and Saxon Square in Christchurch.