HUNDREDS of deprived Island youngsters will have a merrier Christmas this year — thanks to the annual toy appeal.
The official appeal has exceeded its target of 2,500 toys donated by kind-hearted Island residents.
The appeal is supported by both the Isle of Wight County Press and Isle of Wight Radio.
Volunteers are rolling-up their sleeves today (Thursday) to wrap the toys at Northwood House, Cowes, before they are distributed to local charities, who will then donate them to Island families.
Deborah Rooke, one of the organisers of the appeal, said: “There are so many people and companies who have come out this week and put everything behind the appeal.”