Charities across the region are heading full throttle toward their 500 token target in our Community Chest campaign.

Hundreds of community groups are collecting the tokens printed in the back of every copy of the EDP, and today to give them a boost as January's collection comes to a close, we have 10 tokens up for grabs.

One organisation urging people to snip, save and donate is the Samaritans Norwich. Offering 24/7 support to those in need, the team of 180 volunteers received 50,000 calls to the Norwich branch in a single year.

Allowing people to share their problems via telephone, email, face-to-face contact and even texts, the charity is hoping for a cash grant to help them continue supporting people who are vulnerable or feeling suicidal.

Chris Hargest, chairman of The Friends of The Samaritans Norwich and a volunteer himself, said: 'We have six computers working all of the time and we need £1,000 to repair any computers that break down and a screen in reserve so we can continue our services if that happens.'

The group is run completely by volunteers. Mr Hargest, added: 'We just listen to our callers and ask open questions so they can find their way through. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved.'

Groups taking part in the EDP Community Chest campaign, in association with the Norfolk Community Foundation, are hoping to receive a grant between £250 and £2,500 to benefit their chosen project.

To donate your tokens to The Samaritans Norwich, visit or post them to the head office address, 19 St Stephens Square, Norwich, NR1 3SS.

For more information, rules and an entry form visit www.edp24.co.uk/communitychest

If you want to share your story, email jemma.walker@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772531