The Bristol Evening Post's own staff are making donations to our Christmas Toy Appeal.

Retail sales manager Joanne Collins, 47, from Southville, and advertising colleagues Penny Lamb, Sarah Thompson and Jacqueline Pickering gave characters from the children's film Shrek and a toy reindeer.

Joanne said: "I was reading a story about the Christmas Toy Appeal and said 'come on girls – we should give something'."

The toys came from What Stores, based in Fishponds.

National sales manager Penny, 48, from Bath, bought a reindeer for the toy appeal.

She said: "We are really happy to support such a worthy cause and hope we put a smile on children's faces this Christmas."

Property and motors advertising manager Jacqueline, 45, said: "It's a small donation but it's nice to feel we are contributing."

Key accounts manager Sarah Thompson, 37, from Greenbank, donated a gingerbread man toy.

They have joined celebrities living and working in the city who have brought toys or money for the appeal into our offices in Temple Way.

We are collecting toys for distribution to underprivileged children to bring them some cheer this Christmas.

Readers are being invited to give toys, books and games or donate money to help.

The appeal is running alongside the Lord Mayor's Christmas Appeal for Children which aims to raise £45,000 this year to help about 2,000 families.

The families, nominated by doctors, health visitors and other professionals, will get two £15 vouchers – one for food and one for clothes or toys, which can be spent at Asda, Somerfield, Co-op branches and Debenhams.

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