AS the Christmas shopping season gets under way we're asking our readers to dig deep to give festive cheer to a needy child this Christmas.
The Daily Echo 21st anniversary toy appeal has been launched and we're looking forward to receiving gifts at our collection across the conurbation.
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.
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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here