GENEROUS retailers from Poole’s Dolphin Shopping Centre have donated a range of goodies to the Daily Echo’s Toy Appeal.

Hundreds of children will get a present under the Christmas tree this year thanks to our kind-hearted readers and retailers including BHS, Beales, Boots, Calendar Club, Hawkin's Bazaar, Wilko and WH Smith.

This year the Echo worked in partnership with NatWest to try and bring a little festive magic to sick and disadvantaged children.

Our appeal, which aims to ensure needy youngsters across the county have a present to open this Christmas, has been one of the most successful to date.

Collection bins have been out across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and we have been blown away by the number of presents that have been donated.

Dolphin centre administrator Lisa King said: “It’s great to take part in the Echo’s Toy Appeal for a second year.

"We have various fundraising initiatives at the centre for a variety of charities and causes, but we believe that no child should go without a gift this Christmas.

"It’s heart-warming to see that our retailers are really keen to get involved and we appreciate their support with the appeal, they have donated some fantastic toys which I’m sure will be enjoyed this Christmas.”

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

Every year Amelia-Grace’s parents Chantel and Karl take gifts to the children’s ward at Poole Hospital on Christmas Day through the toy appeal.

Also for the first time this year the Echo has teamed up with the Trussell Trust to help support the foodbanks’ Christmas hamper appeal.

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

Phil Coysh, regional manager for the Trussell Trust, said: “Facing hunger and being referred to a foodbank is particularly stark in the lead up to Christmas.

“That’s why many Trussell Trust foodbanks offer a Christmas hamper as well as the standard emergency food parcel.

“We’re very grateful that with the support of the Echo’s readers, the Bournemouth, Kinson and West Howe, and Ringwood foodbanks will be able to provide toys to children to go alongside a Christmas hamper.

“What a brilliant way to give a little festive lift to a family facing crisis in your local community this Christmas.”

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