IT is more than a week since the Evening Advertiser launched the Christmas toy appeal and the donations have been rolling in.

The appeal, run in conjunction with Swindon Rotary Club, aims to brighten the lives of thousands of disabled, disadvantaged and needy children with presents and cash donations.

Donation boxes located around Swindon have been filling up with all sorts of goodies. People have also been kindly putting their loose change in the blue moneyboxes at various shop counters across Swindon.

Woolworths is one of the businesses in town housing a toy donation box throughout the appeal.

Rob Jack, manager of the Regent Street branch, is impressed with the public's generosity.

He said: "Last year the boxes soon filled up and it looks like the appeal will be just as successful this time around.

"The appeal is a very valid scheme for causes in Swindon and we are glad to be part of it."

Emma Bayfield, 19, Julie Stevens, 32, and Tammy Pritchard, 19, work together in the children's clothing department. They know first hand of the appeal's early success. Miss Stevens, from the town centre, said: "People have been coming up to me asking if I can point them in the direction of the appeal boxes.

"I think it's important that we look after children who are less privileged. It's something we should do all year round."

Miss Bayfield, who joined the company two months ago, said: "It's really nice to share at Christmas time. I hope people carry on bringing in their presents."

Woolworths have two collection boxes located at either end of the shop, near the cash desks.

The Evening Advertiser has received cheques from personal accounts already totalling more than £500. This is from just a handful of people and we would like to thank them for their enormous generosity.

You can also donate online. Simply log on to our website at www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk and click on the appeal link.

Last year we received sackfuls of toys, games and teddies, together with £2,214 in cash donations.

This year it looks like we may do even better.