IT’S time again to bring a smile to underprivileged children at Christmas time by supporting the Observer’s Toy Appeal.

We are asking for donations of first-hand toys and gifts for children and young people between the ages of 0 and 19, which we will then distribute to charities and children’s services in our area.

With the trusty help of our friends at Ago Services, whose van will deliver many of the toys, and Slough Space Station, which is providing a storage unit for free, we hope to bring festive cheer to youngsters at Christmas.

Our appeal runs from today, November 17, until Friday December 15.

The Observer’s Paul Thomas, said: “For many children and young people facing difficult challenges in their daily lives, Christmas is not necessarily a time they look forward to. But we’ve been told that donations from our readers make a real difference and show them that somebody cares.

“We can’t do it without your help so please amaze us again this year by giving as much possible. If you are a business, also please get in touch. We’d also like to thank our drop-off points across the area for lending their help.”

Those who will benefit include The Dash charity in Slough, which helps victims of domestic abuse, and children’s social services in the Royal Borough, Slough and South Bucks. We will also provide gifts to children at Slough Children’s Services Trust Breakaway unit, which looks after those with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.

Sandra Strachan, duty manager at Slough Space Station said: “We’re passionate about supporting the community and hope the toy appeal will bring in even more toys than last year.”

Our confirmed drop off points for this year’s appeal are:

Space Station, 149 St Paul’s Avenue, Slough, SL2 5EN (Mon-Wed & Fri 8.30am-6pm, Thurs 8.30am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm);

The Observer office, 112 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 2JA (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5.30pm);

Co-operative Funeral care at: 16 Parlaunt Rd, Langley SL3 8BB (Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm); 85 Dedworth Rd, Windsor SL4 5BB (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm); 2 Chalvey Road West, Slough SL1 2PN (Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm); 63 High Street, Burnham, SL1 7JU (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm) and 27 High Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1JG (Mon-Fr, 9am-4pm);

Windsor visitor information centre, The Old Booking Hall, Windsor Royal Shopping, Thames Ave, Windsor SL4 1PJ (Mon-Sun, 10am-4pm).

Contact The Observer on 01753 627 220, or email nic.brunetti@newsquest.co.uk