Southend-on-Sea City Council is thrilled to announce the launch of its annual Toy Drive for 2024! 🎄✨
For over a decade, the Toy Drive has been a tremendous success, with more than 35,800 donations made, reaching 15,275 children and young people. This year, we’re hoping to make an even bigger impact, ensuring that more children and young people receive a special gift this holiday season, thanks to the generosity of our wonderful community.
🎁 How it Works The cherished Toy Drive will run from today until Friday, 13 December 2024. We kindly ask for donations of new, unwrapped gifts. Once the donations are received, our dedicated team of volunteers—our very own “elves”—will sort and wrap the gifts, making sure that every child has a special present in time for Christmas.
Cllr Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children, young people, and SEND, shared:
“Ho-ho, here we go—the Toy Drive is back and ready to spread joy once again! It’s heartwarming to witness the incredible generosity of our community throughout the years. A huge thank you to everyone who has donated in the past. We’re calling on your kindness once more to contribute to the Toy Drive 2024. Your donations will help create a special Christmas for vulnerable children and young people in our City.”
How to Get Involved If you’d like to support this year’s Toy Drive, here’s what you can donate:
- New toys, suitable for girls, boys, and babies up to age 17
- Vouchers for toys or days out
- Selection packs
- Pens, pencils, and colouring books
- Toiletry sets
Note: If the toy requires batteries, please include them with your donation.
You can purchase gifts directly from Argosy Toys or Toys ‘n’ Tuck in-store, and council “elves” will collect the gifts for you. Online donations are also possible! Visit www.argosytoys.co.uk and select ‘Toy Drive’ at checkout or www.toysntuck.co.uk and choose ‘Southend Toy Drive’ to donate.
Alternatively, donations can be delivered directly to the Civic Centre or The Forum by Friday, 13 December.
📞 Have Questions?
Please call 01702 215841 or email toydrive@southend.gov.uk for more information.