What toys do we collect?

​Do we only need toys?

Do we only collect during the Christmas period?

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Please read on to see what donations we can accept and don't hesitate to get in touch (using the email address below) with any further enquiries.

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Childrens Toys

These should  be NEW and UNWRAPPED.

We cannot accept secondhand toys. A child will unwrap every one of these toys at Christmas, so it is important we don't get unsuitable gifts or ones in a poor condition. We cannot check everything as it comes in, so please don't donate it if it doesn't meet these criteria. It is also difficult for us to dispose of these afterwards if we can't use them but we really do have a responsibility to make sure that every toy that goes out in our name, is safe.Please also keep clear of guns, soldiers and warlike toys. Some of the children who receive gifts may have seen the real thing in very difficult circumstances. A good rule of assessment is that if you wouldn't wrap it up for your own children, we probably can't give it to anyone else.

 

Toys for Babies

We always need toys for children 0-18 months, so think rattles, shapes etc. Quite often, demand for these gifts is way more than the donations so if you are buying toys to give, please think of this age group.

 

Gifts for Older Children

We can always use gift tokens for shops that teenagers use (like Boots etc). Gift tokens can go to young men or women and this really helps us with an age range that is very difficult to provide for and often overlooked.

Toiletries, particularly gift sets, are very much welcomed.

 

Presents for all ages

Chocolate can be given to all children, either as a top-up present or one where nothing else is suitable. Selection boxes are particularly needed and are always much sought after.

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Useful Presents

These might be woolly hats, scarves, gloves or any kind of warm clothes (even re-gifts). These can help children stay warm in the winter months after Christmas is over. Teenagers like fancy socks and handbags, sports caps and gear. We may, at our discretion, accept excellent conditioned used baby clothes if clean and serviceable.

Toiletries can be bought in gift packs like Lynx or Adidas and Dove. Again, these are useful for any age group and always popular. Make-up kits also come in nice gift sets.

 

 

Goods for Adults

 

We look after children in refuges but anything that also helps a Mum get back on their feet again, or make them feel special, is acceptable; personal care items, even basic toiletries are always helpful even if they may not seem like traditional Christmas gifts.

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Larger Items

Please contact us about bigger children's toys such as bikes, scooters etc. We can sometimes take these secondhand if they are in good condition. Unfortunately we cannot take general household items like cots.

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Christmas Decorations

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We are happy to accept donations of Christmas paper, tree baubles, cards, gift tags etc because we do sometimes wrap presents for particular groups. Decorations can be used for communal areas in hostels and temporary living accommodation.

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When you can donate these items

If you are offered toys or donations or you see something you think we can use but it is not close to Christmas or our collection period, please get the items anyway and email us. We  will be happy to arrange a drop-off or collection so you do not have to store it yourself. We will always take things from you straight away, if necessary.

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If you want to help with a donation of money

Money is always very useful to us. We can spend it during the collection, to top up with toys for age groups that have run out before the need is met. It is also helpful to know what we have in reserve, running up to appeal time, and contributors can help us at any time of year that is best for them.

Our bank account details are......

A/C The Great Notts Christmas Toy Appeal

A/c No. 46621862 (Lloyds)

Sort Code 30 99 50

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Remember 100 % of the money you donate to this account goes to the provision of presents for children. All the costs of the appeal are met by the volunteers who run it.

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If you want to help with toys but are stuck with what to buy or how to deliver

You can use our 'wishlist' on Amazon and they will deliver whatever you select directly to us. Use this link to get there.

https://linktr.ee/greatnottschristmastoyappeal