For more than 20 years Dowling Real Estate and the Examiner have joined forces to collect as many donations of toys as possible which go directly to Port Stephens families at Christmas.

About 100 families in the area seek assistance from the Salvation Army at Christmas each year, with every donation making a difference to these people.

Dowling Raymond Terrace principal Craig Higgins said he hoped this year could be bigger and better than ever.

"Every year people from Port Stephens really come to the party to help out," Mr Higgins said.

"A lot of locals like to know their donation is going to people in the community, people you might even pass in the street."

Mr Higgins said he had worked on the toy appeal longer than he could remember and come Christmas the huge mound of donations always puts a smile on his face.

Toys can be dropped into both Raymond Terrace and Nelson Bay Examiner offices during opening hours.

They can also be left at the Raymond Terrace and Medowie Dowling Real Estate offices.

Donations for all ages are accepted, please leave them unwrapped to ensure they go to the correct gender and age group.