Churches in Swindon will once again be running a Christmas toy appeal with the aim of bringing a little hope and happiness to local families* living in desperate need, so they can have presents to wake up to on Christmas morning.

We're asking individuals, groups, and organisations for donations of new toys to suit ages 0-17.

Please drop any donations off at one of the donation points no later than Monday 01 December.

Please don't wrap your donated gifts, but you're welcome to donate wrapping paper and sellotape.

You can also buy a present online (i.e. from Amazon) and have it delivered straight to the Bible Society (address in the donation points below).

If you'd like to make a financial donation instead, you can do so by clicking here.

We also need some volunteers to help make it all happen. If you're up for spending a few hours helping to sort presents out, please head here or email us at toyappeal@gcswindon.org.uk

*All families will be nominated by social workers, schools, churches, and support organisations across Swindon.

Bible Society, Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon, SN5 7DG · Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-4:00pm; and Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm · Please drop off at the main reception or buy online and get it delivered here.

Freshbrook Church, Worsley Road, Freshbrook, Swindon, SN5 8NU · Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 10:00am-1:00pm.

Asda, Orbital Shopping Park, Thamesdown Drive, Swindon, SN25 4BG · Monday, 6:00am-midnight; Tuesday-Friday, open 24 hours; Saturday, midnight-10:00pm; Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm.

Tesco, Ocotal Way, Swindon, SN1 2EH · Monday-Saturday, 6:00am-midnight; Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm.

Renew Swindon CIC, Chippenham Close, Penhill, Swindon, SN2 5DB · Monday, 10:00am-1:00pm; Tuesday, 10:00am-4:00pm; Thursday, 10:00am-4:00pm; Friday, 1:30-4:30pm.

Howden Insurance, 90/92 Commercial Road, Swindon, SN1 5PD · Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am-Midday.

STEP (Swindon), The Base, Lyndhurst Crescent, Park North, Swindon, SN3 2RW · Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-3:00pm; or evenings by prior notice.

Gorse Hill Baptist Church, Cricklade Road, Swindon, SN2 1AA · Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 11:00am-2:00pm; Sunday 10:30am-midday.

Robert Le Kyng Primary School, Westcott Place, Swindon, SN1 5HS · Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm.

Tregoze Primary School, Sleaford Close, Swindon, SN5 6JU · Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

Swindon 105.5, Radio Studios, Liden Centre (off Liden Drive), Swindon, SN3 6HF · Monday-Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:00am-2:00pm.

Abbey Farm ET Primary School, Diamond Crescent, Abbey Farm, Swindon, SN25 2SJ · Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.

Moredon Primary and Nursery School, Moredon Road, Swindon, SN2 2JG · Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-4:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-3:00pm.

Beechcroft Library, Beechcroft Road, Upper Stratton, Swindon, SN2 7QQ · Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00am-7:00pm; Friday-Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm.

Meadowcroft Community Centre, Addison Crescent, Swindon, SN2 7JX · Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm

Swindon Hub, 36 The Parade, Swindon, SN1 1BA · Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm.

Swindon Platinum & Suzuki, West Swindon Motor Point, Paddington Drive, Swindon, SN5 7SB · Monday-Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am-5:00pm; Sunday, 11:00am-4:00pm.

We want to bless every child with a new gift this Christmas, so we're unable to take used or second-hand items.

Here's a list of suggestions for different ages:

Children (0-12)

• Dolls and action figures - to encourage imaginative play and help children to learn nurturing skills and build empathy. This also includes soft toys, such as Squishmallows, teddy bears, etc.
• Learning / educational toys - including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) toys.
• Construction toys - including magnetic toys, such as Magna-tiles and Smart Max, to Duplo, Lego, etc.
• Cars and transport - including Hot Wheels, transporters, remote control, garages, etc.
• Kids' art and craft - this could include anything from Playdoh and slime to stationery, pens, crayons, and science kits, or products such as baking and gardening kits.
• Pretend play toys - these are excellent for developing storytelling skills and include role play costumes, play kitchen items, etc.
• Games, puzzles, and books - including board games, jigsaws, tabletop arcade games, etc.
• Sports items - particularly footballs, NERF guns, etc.
• Baby items - including baby clothes, rattles, etc.

Teenagers (13-17)

• Make-up and toiletries - including lip balms, and items for hair and nails.
• Electronic gadgets - including LED strip lights, ring lights for TikTok, wireless ear-buds, LED glitter lamps, phone accessories, etc.
• Books, games, and puzzles - those aimed at teenagers rather than younger children.
• Sports items - such as footballs, etc.
• Gift vouchers.

Telephone: 07544 540 476

Email: toyappeal@gcswindon.org.uk

Facebook: Swindontoyappeal