GENEROUS Rotarians and an arts centre are the latest groups to help bring festive joy to children facing hardship this Christmas.

The Rotary Club of Windsor and Eton has supported The Observer’s Christmas Toy Appeal for another year by donating more than £500 worth of books.

Martyn Gorton, from the club, said: “The Windsor and Eton Rotary Club is delighted to be able to continue its support of The Observer’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

"The Rotary Club is always seeking different ways to assist the local community and to support worthy local projects.”

The books were selected by Mr Gorton’s wife Diana, a retired school teacher, librarian and Windsor and Eton Inner Wheel Club member.

Meanwhile, the Norden Farm Arts Centre, in Altwood Road, Maidenhead, has pledged to donate a family and friends ticket to the centre’s Christmas show One Snowy Tale – a tale from Percy’s Park by Nick Butterworth full of songs to sing along to and furry friends to meet.

Jane Corry, chief executive and artistic director at Norden Farm, said: “Children and young people are at the very heart of what we do at Norden Farm so we’re are very proud to be supporting The Observer's Toys Appeal this Christmas.”

Brand new, unwrapped toys for babies, children and teenagers are needed to be donated to for social services in Slough, South Bucks and the Royal Borough, The Dash Charity – which helps victims of domestic abuse and their families and children – and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

Gift ideas for younger children include toys, games, books, crafts, crayons and colouring books. For teenagers, items such as vouchers, clothes, toiletries, footballs and jewellery would be appreciated.

Confirmed drop-off points for donations so far are: Space Station, 149 St Paul’s Avenue, Slough: Monday-Wednesday and Friday 8.30am-6pm, Thursday 8.30am-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm; The Firestation Centre for Arts and Culture, in St Leonards Road, Windsor: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-midnight; Primark, The Observatory, Slough: Monday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9am-6pm, Thursday 9am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm; Slough Library, High Street, Slough: Monday and Thursday 9am-6pm, Tuesday and Friday 9am-7pm, Wednesday 9.30am-7pm, Saturday 9am-4pm; Legoland Hotel, Winkfield Road, Windsor: Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm; The Co-Operative Funeralcare, in Parlaunt Road, Langley: Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm; Asian Star Radio, Observatory Shopping Centre Gallery Level, everyday 11am-6pm.

The deadline for donations is Sunday, December 6.

To get involved, call Dan Whiteway on 01753 627222 or e-mail dwhiteway@berksmedia.co.uk.