THOUSANDS of disadvantaged children and babies will wake up on Christmas Day to find a present, thanks to kind-hearted Daily Echo readers.

More than 3,000 people took part in this year’s Southampton Voluntary Services Toy Appeal, including staff from the Daily Echo, pictured.

The managing director of the newspaper, Amanda Davison- Young, employees and generous readers were given a gift tag detailing a child’s first name, age and gender and were tasked with finding the perfect present, spending a maximum of £10.

A number of organisations including health visitors, social services and voluntary sector workers are consulted to compile the list of names of children who have complex needs, from those living in a family on a low income to those escaping violence.

The appeal, which is now in its 34th year, aims to provide every vulnerable child with at least one gift at Christmas.

Jacqui Honeywell, from the family projects team at the organisation, said she has been overwhelmed by the response.

“We can’t believe how generous people have been this year given the current economic climate.

I’m pleased to say that thanks to the support of the Daily Echo every child on our list will receive a present on Christmas Day, so a huge thank you to everyone who was involved.”

The toys are now being sorted before they are delivered to the children in time for Christmas.