WITH the season of generosity upon us, Amelia's Rainbow are launching their festive Toy Appeal again this year.

The local charity that supports children with life-limiting, serious terminal illnesses is asking for support from the public to help children's Christmas wishes come true.

Christmas can often be a very challenging time for a family when they have to consider a disability or an illness.

Amelia's Rainbow write to all of the families who have a child or children with serious illnesses and disabilities and ask what they would like for Christmas, making the present personal to them.

Each child will receive a tailor-made sack of goodies which will be delivered by the Amelia's Rainbow elves.

Local parent Jacqui elaborated on the importance of the appeal: "It was such emotional experience when Amelia’s Rainbow elves turned up. I couldn’t believe how the community supported us."

Not all children and their family can enjoy the delights of Christmas such as ice skating or meeting Father Christmas, but Amelia's Rainbow hope to bring Christmas cheer to everyone they can, which can only be done with your help.

Jacqui added: "We usually feel so isolated and unable to take part in a lot of the festivities we see other families going to.

"For the kids to get this treat was so special and we were so grateful."

This year the team will be delivering to over 150 children who have been affected by a disability or illness.

In order to do this, the charity needs new, unwrapped gifts for all ages.

Amelia's Rainbow supports children from infancy to age 21, so they stress that a wide range of gifts and toys is required.

This includes gift vouchers, sensory items (which are suitable for many of the children they support) and age-specific toys.

If you would like to support the families, please drop off your new toys by December 8 at a individual drop-off point, the names of which will be released soon.

The Bournemouth Daily Echo is one of the drop-off points, so please start bringing your donations in.

Amelia’s Elves also make a visit to Poole Hospital and Dorset County Hospital’s children unit on Christmas and Boxing Day.

For more information please visit the charity’s Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AmeliasRainbow/

Or email them at: email@ameliasrainbow.org