Council elves have been hard at work coordinating and wrapping gifts for the Toy Drive. As always, our goal is to give a little bit of Christmas magic to as many children and young people as possible, and with the current cost-of-living crisis, we are anticipating a greater need for gifts this year.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated. Remember, anyone still wishing to donate needs to do so by Friday 16 December. We are grateful for all donations made; however, we are specifically in need of gifts for babies up to two years and ten to 14+.

If you are able, and would like to donate to the Toy Drive, you can donate gifts to the Civic Centre and the Forum, or purchase gifts from Argosy Toys or Toys ‘N’ Tuck. You can also purchase toys online from Argosy Toys and select ‘Toy Drive’ as option for delivery. So we can ensure our elves have time to wrap and deliver the gifts, please ensure all donations are delivered by Friday 16 December.

What can you donate?

• New toys only, suitable for babies, boys and girls aged up to 17 (if any toys require batteries, please include these too)
• Vouchers for toys or days out
• Selection packs
• Pens, pencils and colouring books
• Toiletry sets

The gifts are distributed to local children’s centres, food banks, refuges and children’s parties set up by local charities, and are given to vulnerable children and young people who may not have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas. Since the Toy Drive began, 10,288 gifts from the Toy Drive have been donated through local charities and programmes.

Cllr Stephen George, leader of the Council, said: “I am overjoyed to see the Toy Drive back in action. It’s always amazing to see the incredible generosity of local people, and alongside this, supporting local independent toy shops to make their Christmas magical as well.  

“Thank you to everyone who has donated previously. There is still time to donate this year, if you can, and your generosity will really help make a special Christmas to the vulnerable children and young people in Southend. We want to make it clear that we understand that the current cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone, I say again, please only donate if you can.”

Paul Wohl, owner of Argosy Toys, said: “We are really looking forward to being part of the SCC Toy Drive in 2022. Argosy Toys are proud to say that we do not profit from this, as all profits are driven back into the scheme. It's been an especially tough year for low-income families as the cost of living has risen so sharply. Please consider buying even a small toy to help these families have a better Christmas.”

If you have any questions, or would like to support the Toy Drive, please call the team on 01702 215841 or email toydrive@southend.gov.uk