TODAY is your final chance to dig deep and contribute to others' happiness as this year's Christmas toy appeal draws to a close.

The last three weeks have seen generosity and kindness pouring in from individuals and companies, the young and the old proving that the people of Swindon know the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.

And on the final day, we bring you yet another story of generosity.

For Trio Childcare Connections, the business which provides childcare services for corporate clients, was celebrating it's fifth birthday this week but decided to donate presents instead of receiving them.

And the beneficiaries from the Evening Advertiser's Christmas toy appeal will be the lucky recipients. Gerry Gardner and Julia Hinns co-founded Trio with the aim of providing a safe, secure and happy environ-ment for children of working parents.

Mrs Hinns, 36, said: "Childminding was always the Cinderella of childcare and we thought there was a need to promote this branch.

"My son, James, has a wonderful childminder called Val. I wouldn't be able to do my job without her help. So I think it's a good sign for the business that I am using the service myself.

"There is a new network being set up by Julie Kearns which will help parents of special needs children, who otherwise may find it difficult to return to work."

Mrs Gardner, 60, explained the company's decision to donate to our appeal.

She said: "The party today is for our birthday and Christmas combined but we also felt that we wanted to do something else.

"The toy appeal is obviously for children and our company's main concern is the welfare of children so we thought it was fitting to give to such a practical cause."

Debbie Southern is a 37-year-old childminder and has seven years experience under her belt.

She was at the party with her charge, Tegan Hawkins, 15 months.

Mrs Southern said: "You get such great support from the com-pany. They help find vacancies and have ongoing training courses which is really good."

The presents, worth £100, included puzzles, bracelet kits, match-ing pictures and Lego, which the women felt would be more beneficial than cuddly toys.

Other groups who are eager to receive toys this year are Druglink in Victoria Road and the NSPCC, at the North Swindon Family Centre, which worked with over 150 families last year alone.

Donations can also be dropped off at GWR studios, Lime Kiln in Wootton Bassett, as well as the locations listed opposite.

For more information about the service offered at Trio, please call 514422.