More than 31,000 Toy Drive presents have been opened by children and young people as the scheme enters its tenth year.
The scheme was started by Southend-on-Sea City Council's benefits team back in 2013 as a way of making sure that every child in the City had a new toy at Christmas.
Since then, the scheme has grown and expanded, with local businesses and individuals getting on board to support and donate, while local independent toy shops Toys ‘n’ Tuck and Argosy Toys leading the way in making donations easy.
The Worshipful the Mayor, Cllr Stephen Habermel, said: “It is an amazing example of how, when our community pulls together, we can really achieve something incredible. Every child deserves to get a new toy at Christmas - such a simple aim - yet the hard work and commitment that goes into making this happen is eye-opening.
“From the kind individuals who donate a gift, to the local businesses who contribute, to the council staff in the benefits team for organising and those who give up their lunch breaks to wrap gifts, it really is a team effort.
“And this year it is more important than ever, with the cost-of-living crisis, we cannot forget that there are many children in Southend who are facing a bleak Christmas indeed without support from the Toy Drive.
“I urge you, if you have the funds to spare, while doing your festive shopping, please pick up a gift for a child or young person. It doesn't have to cost a fortune, but it might just put a smile on the face of a child this Christmas.”
If you want to get involved, you can donate:
- new toys, suitable for girls, boys and babies up to the age of 17
- vouchers for toys or days out
- selection packs
- pens, pencils and colouring books
- toiletry sets
- if batteries are needed for the toys, please include them
You can purchase gifts directly from Argosy Toys or Toys ‘n’ Tuck in store and council elves will collect the gifts. Or you can purchase gifts from Argosy Toys and select ‘Toy Drive’ as an option for delivery.
Or you can deliver your donation directly to the Civic Centre or The Forum by Tuesday 19 December.
Any questions please call 01702 215841 or email toydrive@southend.gov.uk.
Photos can be found on our Flickr page.