THE Daily Echo has again joined forces with children's charity Amelia's Rainbow for the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

This year there are 16 collection points, making it easy for kind-hearted Echo readers to bring festive joy to sick and disadvantaged children.

Thousands of toys have been donated to the appeal in previous years and this year is certain to be no exception.

We are looking for new toys to be dropped off at collection points across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

As usual we will be collecting gifts to place under the Christmas tree in the Daily Echo office in Richmond Hill.

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

Amelia died of an aggressive form of childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.

Amelia’s Rainbow supports children in Dorset and the surrounding area who are suffering from any terminal, life-limiting, serious and chronic illnesses.

Volunteers aim to create an environment full of fun, laughter, achievement and memories through providing funds for activities and play which will enrich the lives of children who are suffering

Every year, the small team at Amelia’s Rainbow take gifts to the children’s ward at Poole and Dorset County hospitals on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

They also deliver gifts to the families of children the charity has supported over the last few years.

Their brothers and sisters also receive presents and last year the charity delivered 134 tailor-made Santa sacks.

Amelia’s Mum, Chantel, said: "Christmas can be a very hard time of year for many people, especially for children and families with serious illnesses or those who have lost a child.

"Having experienced Christmas at both of these times we understand it can be a time when parents try and make it magical even when they may be sad inside."

OFFICIAL 2018 TOY DROP OFF / COLLECTION POINTS:

  • BOURNEMOUTH DAILY ECHO OFFICE (Bournemouth Town Centre)
  • 4COM (Hurn)    
  • STORE AND SECURE (Castlepoint)
  • MK ESTATES IFORD (Iford)
  • MK ESTATES (Holdenhurst Road)
  • THE FUNKY PEACH (Parkstone)
  • HIGHCLIFFE HAYS TRAVEL (Highcliffe)
  • L OF A CAR (Ringwood Road, Poole)
  • JIGSAW SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT (Poole)
  • THE JEWEL BOX (Winton)
  • GASBITS (Moordown)
  • NATIONWIDE POOLE (Poole High Street)
  • THE MINT ACADEMY (Southbourne)
  • M&S FERNDOWN FOODHALL (Ferndown)
  • LEADERFOX (Ashley Cross)
  • TOP CAT MEDIA GROUP (Pokesdown)