Christmas toy appeals collect new toys and gifts for children who would otherwise receive little or nothing. In Britain they are run each autumn by national and local charities, churches, radio stations, councils and food banks, which work with social workers, schools and health visitors to reach families in need.
How the appeals work
- Donors leave gifts at collection points in shops, offices, places of worship and community buildings, or give money online.
- Volunteers sort the gifts by age and suitability.
- Gifts are passed to families through referral agencies, usually to parents, so that the presents come from them.
- Appeals typically open in November and close in early to mid-December, to leave time for distribution.
Well-known examples include the Christmas Present Appeal of The Salvation Army and the appeals run by local radio charities, alongside hundreds of independent local schemes.
What to give
- New and unused: most appeals accept only new items in their packaging, for reasons of safety and dignity.
- Unwrapped: gifts are left unwrapped so that volunteers can check and allocate them; some donors add a roll of wrapping paper.
- All ages: babies and teenagers receive the fewest donations. Toiletry sets, sports equipment, books, art materials, headphones and gift vouchers suit older children.
- Safe: toys carry the UKCA or CE mark and an age label.
- Batteries: included if the toy needs them.
Toy weapons, used soft toys, food and items with religious or political messages are commonly refused. Each appeal publishes its own list.
Other ways to help
- Money allows organisers to buy for the age groups that are short.
- Volunteers are needed for sorting, wrapping and delivery.
- Second-hand toys in good condition are welcomed by charity shops, toy libraries and community reuse schemes, though not by most Christmas appeals.
Running a collection
A workplace, school, club or street can collect on behalf of an established appeal, which is simpler and safer than distributing gifts independently.
- Choose the appeal and contact its organisers. They confirm what is wanted, the deadline and the delivery arrangements, and give permission to collect in their name.
- Get agreement from the employer, head teacher or owner of the premises.
- Set dates: two to three weeks of collecting, ending a few days before the appeal's deadline.
- Publicise: posters, e-mail and social media, stating exactly what is wanted and the closing date.
- Provide a collection point: a clearly marked box somewhere supervised and dry.
- Deliver the gifts, and tell the donors how many were collected.
Rules to observe
- Collecting money or goods from the public in the street or door to door requires a licence or permit from the local council, with limited exemptions.
- A charity's name and registration number are used only with its permission.
- Money is counted by two people, recorded and passed on promptly.
- Distribution to families is left to organisations that can identify need and protect privacy.
For families needing help
Most appeals do not take direct applications. A referral is made by a school, health visitor, social worker, housing officer, food bank or advice agency, and requests are best made in early autumn.
