THE Daily Echo has appealed to the generosity of its readers to help make its 21st anniversary Christmas toy appeal a success.

We are hoping to collect thousands of toys to ensure that sick and needy children across Dorset receive some festive cheer.

We have again joined forces with the Amelia's Rainbow Fund, which provides gifts for children who are in hospital over Christmas and also for individuals and families it supports.

And presents will also be distributed through other organisations and charities including foodbanks and children's centres.

The Dolphin Centre in Poole and Christchurch council are also supporting the appeal by offering collection points for toys.

John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Toy Appeal again this year. We are in a fantastic position to be able to encourage our shoppers to donate items in the centre and our retailers continue to impress by putting themselves forward to donate items. We hope that with our support, more children in the area will receive a Christmas present this year.”

Stores already on board include Beales, Poundland, M&S, Hawkins Bazaar, Boots and Wilko.

The Amelia's Rainbow Fund was set up following the death of eight-year-old Amelia-Grace Cooper in 2010.

The bubbly and popular little girl was struck down with an aggressive form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.

Before she died her parents, Chantel and Karl, were able to enjoy special days out and outings thanks to the generosity of others.

The Fund raises money to offer similar opportunities to other children with life-limiting illnesses.

Charity fundraiser Natalie Newman said: "We are happy to be joining forces with the Daily Echo again this year.

"We plan to take gifts to children in Poole Hospital on Christmas Day and in Dorchester on Boxing Day.

"Families in contact with us will also be offered the chance to receive gifts, which will also be offered to siblings."

Toy collection points are as follows:

Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth and Commercial Road, Swanage

Dolphin Centre, Poole

Christchurch council offices, Bridge Street

Other drop off points:

4COM (Hurn) - Loewy House, 11 Enterprise Way, Aviation Park West, Christchurch, BH23 6EW

STORE AND SECURE (Castlepoint) - 5 Yeomans Way, Castlepoint, Bournemouth, BH8 0BL

TOP CAT MEDIA GROUP (Pokesdown) - Scotter Road, Pokesdown, Bournemouth, BH7 6LY

MK ESTATES IFORD (Iford) - 2 Castle Parade, Iford, Bournemouth BH7 6SH

MK ESTATES (Holdenhurst Road) - 337 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8BT

JIGSAW SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT (Poole) - Bayside Business Centre, 1 Sovereign Business Park, 48 Willis Way, Poole, BH15 3TB

THE FUNKY PEACH (Parkstone) - 588 Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole, BH14 0AQ

HIGHCLIFFE HAYS TRAVEL (Highcliffe) - 324 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 5EY

L OF A CAR (Poole) - 228 Ringwood Road, Poole, BH14 0RS

TSB (Boscombe branch) - 584 Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH1 4BL

AMBASSADEUR ART (Bournemouth Town Centre) - 11 Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH1 2BY

THE JEWEL BOX (Winton) - 363 Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth, BH9 2AD

CURRYS / PC WORLD (Poole) - Wessex Gate Retail Park, 4 Broadstone Way, Poole BH15 3TE