Southampton launches 36th Annual Toy Appeal

On Friday 15 November, the Southampton Toy Appeal was officially launched in Westquay, Hammerson’s retail and leisure destination, by Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning

29/11/2024

Councillor Alex Winning, Gemma Tizzard (Westquay), young person on work experience, Colin McPherson, Councillor Fielker and Aaron Sanchious (Westquay) in front of banner for Toy Appeal in Westquay

Pictured left to right: Councillor Alex Winning, Gemma Tizzard (Westquay), young person on work experience, Colin McPherson, Councillor Fielker and Aaron Sanchious (Westquay)

Now in its 36th year, the Toy Appeal has brought joy to hundreds of vulnerable children and young people across Southampton. We are looking for new toys and gifts for children and young people from birth through to eighteen years of age who are supported by Southampton’s Children’s Services, as well as a number of families experiencing severe financial difficulties.

Andy Jackson, Destination Director of Westquay said; "Here at Westquay we are proud to continue to be part of the launch of the Southampton Toy Appeal. We have a collection point on Level Three, next to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels where you can fill in a label and attach it to the new, unwrapped gift before popping it into the collection box."

Drop off points can be found at various locations around the city including:

Westquay Level Three, next to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Any day (9am-8pm)
Civic Centre reception desk: Mon-Fri (9.30am-5pm)
Libraries – Central, Shirley, Lordshill, Thornhill, Bitterne and Portswood: Mon-Sat (10am-4pm)
Tudor House and Gardens: Mon-Thurs (10am-3pm) and Sat-Sun (10am-5pm)
Southampton City Art Gallery: Mon-Fri (10am-3pm) and Sat (10am-5pm)
SeaCity Museum: Any day (10am-5pm)
MAST Mayflower Studios: Any day (10am-5pm)
Elite Garage, Northam Road: Mon-Fri (9am-4pm), Saturday (9am-12noon)

All drop-off points will be open until 4pm on Friday 20 December.

Councillor Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council said:

"I’d like to thank every business, local community group, charity and resident for their generosity, time and commitment to the Southampton Toy Appeal. We are lucky that over 70 organisations have once again pledged their support, in particular Hampshire Constabulary, Westquay, Asda, local Co-ops, MAST Mayflower Studios and Microlink. If your business would like to take part in the Toy Appeal, please do get in touch. We are grateful for any support you can offer."

On behalf of the children and young people that receive the new toys and gifts, we are grateful for every donation. However, we have found that there is an increased need for gifts for young people, especially males aged 12-18. We have created a list of gifting ideas to help.

The presents will be collected, sorted, and distributed by a team of over 300 volunteers from Southampton City Council and partner organisations throughout December with gifts distributed to children and families in time to open on Christmas morning.

Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning said:

"The Toy Appeal last year was incredible and something I’m proud to have played a part in. As a father seeing the joy on my child’s face on Christmas morning and knowing that we’ve helped other children and young people to experience that feeling is priceless. Times are tough for many families but if you can spare a thought when out shopping by adding a small extra gift to your trolley, it can make all the difference. No child or young person should feel forgotten at Christmas."