THREE organisations have already come forward to donate money for the Dorset Echo’s 10th Christmas Toy Appeal.

DJ Property, Stylish Stitches and Ladies Alive have signed up to our ‘Ten for Ten’ scheme to celebrate a decade of the appeal.

They have each donated £100 to buy gifts and vouchers for needy youngsters.

Mickey Jones, of commercial property provider DJ Property, decided to support the appeal because his father David Jones helped the Echo launch the Christmas Toy Appeal with a generous cash donation a decade ago.

Mr Jones said: “This was something that my father supported so it felt like the right thing to do. My dad didn’t have the best of childhoods when he was growing up and so he felt it was important that he did something to help other children in the same position.

“He is the classic story of someone who started with nothing and worked his way up and it just felt sensible to support the cause.”

Ten companies are needed to donate £100 for the Ten for Ten appeal.

Jackie Sanders, of embroidery company Stylish Stitches, said supporting the appeal felt appropriate at Christmas time.

She said: “It is Christmas after all. The sum of £100 isn’t a lot when you think about it and how many people it will benefit.

“We donate to a lot of children’s charities and we feel lucky that we are in a position where we can do this. I just hope the Echo find 10 businesses to help and more.”

Georgina Grayson, who is co-founder of the Ladies Alive fundraising group, said they thought it was too good a cause not to support.

“There are so many people that need help at Christmas-time and with the money we raise through the year it would just be brilliant to put this towards helping the local children.

“As soon as I saw this ‘Ten for Ten’ scheme advertised I knew it was for us.”

Dorset Echo promotions co-ordinator Debbie Hellaby said there was always a need for more gifts despite so many being donated.

She said: “I am overwhelmed with the support we have already received from these three companies and I would urge others to come forward if you are in a position to do so.”

If you own a company or business and would like to donate £100 to our Christmas Toy Appeal, please contact promotions co-ordinator Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830815.

Where to find toy bins

Bridport: Morrisons, Toymaster, Bridport and Lyme Regis News, Curtis Wright, Baby Go Round.

Dorchester: Tesco, Toymaster, WH Smith, Wellworths, Dorset Echo, Adams, Dorset County Council.

Weymouth: Dorset Echo, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Howleys, WH Smith, The Early Learning Centre, Wilkinsons, Value House, Debenhams, Rieker, Portland Co-Op (Easton).