TOY APPEAL: Basepoint kindly donates £100 to help needy children at Christmas
Another local business is spreading some Christmas cheer by backing the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal.
More children than ever before are in need this Christmas and, to make sure that they are able to enjoy a little festive cheer, the Echo has launched the 17th annual toy appeal.
We are asking kind–hearted readers to give a toy, however small, for a vulnerable child to open on Christmas morning.
We are also asking local businesses to donate £100 so that we are able to buy more toys for children who would otherwise wake up without a present from Santa on Christmas Day.
Last year, our appeal raised £4,000. This year, with even more children to help, we’re hoping to top that amount. All of the money raised is used to provide toys and gifts to needy youngsters at a time of need.
So far, 19 businesses have donated.
Basepoint is the latest business to support the cause.
Manager Mark Sers said: “We think it’s a wonderful cause and we want to help as many children as we can.
“It’s such a worthwhile cause that will bring a smile to children on Christmas Day - we thought, why not?”
You can help children in need by donating a toy to one of many donation bins in the area. All toys donated will be collected and then distributed before Christmas, to children who really appreciate them.
Both Echo offices have collection bins and our Dorchester office also has a collection pot.
Suggestions: For children aged 0-3 - Dolls, cars, building bricks, Rattles, Vtech toys or similar.
For children aged 5-12 - Board games, Magnetix, Lego, Barbie, remote control cars, action heroes, interactive toys and arts and crafts items.
For children aged 13-16 - Aftershave/perfume gift sets, gift vouchers, beauty sets, arts and crafts items.
Collections points will be based all over Weymouth and Dorchester, with full details on the Dorset Echo website.
Businesses wishing to make a £100 donation can email debbie. hellaby@ dorsetecho.co.uk or call 01305 830 815