For more than 20 years Dowling and the Examiner has teamed up to collect toys for the Salvation Army, which will be given to Port Stephens families doing it tough.

Anyone wishing to donate a toy to the appeal can do so between business hours at the Dowling offices in Raymond Terrace and Medowie as well as the Examiner's office in Raymond Terrace up until Monday, December 20.

Toys are asked to be brand new, not wrapped and suitable for all ages.

The Examiner is also running its Christmas lights trail competition. Port residents who decorating their homes for Christmas can enter the lights trail. The Examiner creates an online map of addresses for residents to see the best lights display.

By sending your name, address and daytime contact details in an email titled "Lights" to ewatts@fairfaxmedia.com.au you agree to be included in the trail. The display voted by Port residents as the best will win a $500 gift voucher thanks to Charlestown Square.