SOUTHAMPTON residents are being asked to pick up one extra toy while Christmas shopping to help children affected by poverty.

Access Self Storage Southampton is collecting Christmas gift donations for S.C.R.A.T.C.H this year.

The collection is open until December 13 when the toys will be given to children cared for by S.C.R.A.T.C.H in time for Christmas.

Kind residents and businesses of Southampton have already donated gifts, by dropping them off at their local Access Self Storage on Third Avenue with 50 toys already collected.

Last year, 250 new toys were collected for children helped by the charity and there is still time over the next three weeks to try to beat this record.

Access Self Storage Southampton manager Stuart Beyer said: “We want to say a big thank you to the Southern Daily Echo who is supporting us in publicising the campaign. We are off to a good start with 50 donations already.

“The appeal has been growing year on year and we hope 2019 will be our best yet.

“So whether you are a business or an individual, please pop in and drop off a donation, however big or small.”

In the past eight years 18,500 gifts have been collected by Access Self Storage nationally and donated to dozens of charities all over the UK. All donations may be left at the reception of Access Self Storage Southampton where they will be stored safely until they are delivered to S.C.R.A.T.C.H after December 13.