Spread a little joy

Our second Christmas Toybox Appeal is now underway, and we’re on a mission to give as many children as possible a gift to open this festive season.

We know things have been tough for many people this year. But if you can afford to bring a new gift or stocking filler to one of our 242 donation points, you could really make a difference to someone’s day. Donation boxes are in store until 9th December 2020. 

How you can help

Please make sure that any gifts are new and unwrapped. Puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls, action figures, CDs, DVDs and art materials are all great choices, and we’ll be very grateful for anything you can give.

Once we’ve collected all your donations, we’ll distribute them to families who might not otherwise be able to afford to put presents under the tree. We’ll do this through local charities, community groups and food banks, as well as major hospitals and hospices.

Last year, you donated over 12,000 presents and stocking fillers, which was incredible. Let’s see how much joy we can share this year.

Whether it be a puzzle, an action figure or even a giant unicorn, any of the gifts donated as part of our now annual Christmas Toybox Appeal will bring the biggest smiles to the face of hundreds of youngsters this winter.

Last year, we worked with several handpicked groups to spread a little festive cheer including Rainbows Hospice, based in Loughborough.

Over 2,000 presents and stocking fillers were delivered after kind-hearted customers dropped the items off at special donation points located in all stores in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northants, Nottingham and Rutland or handed over to Santa’s elves as the Co-op Christmas lorry stopped off at food stores as part of one off collection events during November.

Items donated included puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls/figures, CDs/DVDs and art materials. There were also several giant unicorns and dinosaurs as well as bikes, scooters and even a mock Co-op shop.

This year, alongside Rainbows, other good causes to benefit include Birmingham Salvation Army and food bank partners such as Kettering Food Bank, Hinckley Area Food Bank and Bethany Food Bank in Birmingham.

Head of Organisational Giving at Rainbows Kate Golding said it was grateful for the support after being ‘overwhelmed’ by the generosity of Central England Co-op’s customers and members through last year’s appeal.

She said: “At Rainbows, we can always put toys to good use for our children, young people and their siblings. We especially love toys that focus on sensory arts and crafts as even those with the most complex of needs can benefit from them.

“We’d like to thank everyone who donates to the appeal, we really appreciate it after what has been a difficult year.”