A CALL centre with around 500 staff is the latest to announce its support for the Daily Echo Toy Appeal 2017.

Conduent, based at Wallisdown Road, Poole will collect toys from colleagues and their friends and families in a bid to bring festive cheer to sick and needy children this Christmas.

Operations manager Rebecca Dunn contacted the Echo to offer help after reading about its appeal, now in its 21st year.

We are also asking our readers to buy an extra Christmas present this year to ensure the appeal is a success.

The Daily Echo has 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.

Amelia’s Rainbow Fund was set up following the death of eight-year-old Amelia-Grace Cooper in 2010. The 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 offers special days out to other children with life-limiting illnesses.

Toy collection points are:

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

Dolphin Centre, Poole

Christchurch council offices, Bridge Street

4COM, Aviation Park West, Christchurch

Store and Secure, Yeoman's Way, Castlepoint

Top Cat Media Group, Scotter Road, Pokesdown

MK Estates, Castle Parade, Iford

MK Estates, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth

Jigsaw Specialist Recruitment, Willis Way, Poole

The Funky Peach, Ashley Road, Parkstone

Highcliffe Hays Travel, Lymington Road

L of a Car, Ringwood Road, Poole

TSB, Christchurch Road, Boscombe

Ambassadeur Art, Westover Road, Bournemouth

The Jewel Box, Wimborne Road, Winton

Currys/PC World, Broadstone Way, Poole

include the Daily Echo offices in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth and Commercial Road, Swanage, the Dolphin Centre in Poole, and the Christchurch council offices in Bridge Street.