THE Rotary Club in Swindon is known to be an avid supporter of local charities over the years.

And now it has teamed up with the Evening Advertiser for our Christmas appeal to help make this festive season brighter for needy children.

Following our successful union over the last two years, members of the Club are working with the Adver to collect new toys and cash donations to help out disadvantaged children at Christmas.

The Rotary Club has been a permanent fixture in Swindon since it was chartered in 1926. This year organisations that have benefited from the Club's fundraising include the British Legion, local schools and continued work with local charities.

Nigel Henham, appeal co-ordinator for the Swindon Rotary Club, said: "We assist various charities and organisations throughout the year. It is not just at Christmas time but ongoing for 365 days.

"We will visit each group on a regular basis to see how they are getting on. As a request for fundraising comes in, we will drop into the groups and meet the people involved.

"The Rotary Club will assist groups rather than individuals with money raised from various fundraising activities. We also sponsor charities through our own physical efforts.

"To everyone who made a donation to our Christmas Appeal last year, I would like on behalf of the Evening Advertiser and the Rotary Club of Swindon to express our whole hearted thanks for your generosity.

"Your support for this worthwhile appeal is again needed to make a very special difference to the lives of local disadvantaged and disabled children.

"Making a child smile is rewarding and the one thing I can promise is that your gifts this Christmas will bring miles of smiles, lightening the faces and spirits of hundreds of children in Swindon.

"There is an often quoted saying 'actions speak louder than words'. Please help make that difference to a Swindon child this Christmas with your support and donation."

Swindon Rotary Club meets at The Kings in Wood Street, Old Town.

Meetings are held every Thursday starting at 1pm.

The Evening Advertiser readers have been helping our campaign by depositing toys in the various outlets around Swindon.

We ask that the toys are new but there is no need to wrap the gifts. There are also blue collection boxes located in shops and businesses, which we urge you to fill with any spare change.

Following last year's success, the Christmas appeal link is up and running again. Simply log on to www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk, click on the link and donate a minimum of £5.