The annual Evening Post Christmas Toy Appeal which helps needy children in the Bristol area is launched today.

Readers are urged to bring children's new or nearly new toys or money to our Temple Way offices, where staff will collect them for distribution to youngsters who are likely to get few gifts this year.

We are asking you all to show your generosity in these hard financial times by buying an extra toy, book, teddy, or other children's gift this year to help with the appeal. The gifts can be for children up to the age of 16.

And, rather than throwing things away, you can give baby toys, educational books and games to the cause.

The appeal is running alongside the Lord Mayor's Children Appeal, which raises funds for the families of underprivileged youngsters in the area.

Up to 1,600 families within the city will get two £15 vouchers – one for food and one for clothes or toys – which can be spent at Asda, Co-op branches and at Debenhams.

Bruce Simmonds, chairman of the appeal, said the Evening Post's Toy Appeal would increase the number of families who will benefit this Christmas.

He said: "We realise it's going to be very difficult this year because of the recession, but we are hopeful that despite this, people will still be able to help to provide toys this Christmas.

"We would love to be able to provide vouchers to more than 1,600 children, but we need to be realistic. We hope that for those who do not receive a voucher, that a toy donated from Evening Post readers will make their Christmas special.

"We are always so grateful to all those people who go out of their way to buy an extra gift and to deliver it to the Evening Post offices."

Evening Post deputy editor Rob Stokes said: "This appeal is so important because it ensures that children throughout Bristol, who could face waking up on Christmas morning with nothing, receive gifts.

"Everyone who contributes helps to prevent a little boy or girl facing that heartbreak."

Cheques for the appeal should be made out to the Lord Mayor's Children Appeal and sent c/o the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3LJ.

Gifts can be delivered to the Evening Post reception in Temple Way, or The Entertainer in Cabot Circus, from today.