Christmas Toy Donation Appeal
This Christmas, Broadland and South Norfolk District Councils are coming together once again to bring festive joy to children in need across our communities. Through our annual toy donation drive, we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to families throughout the districts - ensuring that every child can experience the magic of the season. Whether it’s a new book, a creative craft kit or a fun game, your donation can light up a child’s Christmas morning. Dedicated collection centres have been set up across Broadland and South Norfolk, making it easy for you to contribute. Let’s turn Broadland and South Norfolk into Santa’s workshop - one toy at a time!
Last year, residents and businesses generously donated over 1,000 toys, 378 books, and almost 300 additional gifts, helping to support 208 families across South Norfolk and Broadland.
With your help, we can ensure every child experiences the joy and warmth of Christmas.
Who will it support?
Toys will be distributed to children aged 0 to 18 across the districts who may be experiencing hardship and are being supported by local professionals and partner agencies—many of whom may not otherwise receive a present on Christmas Day.
What can and can’t be accepted?
Presents will be accepted at collection centers until 29 November 2026.
We welcome donations of new, unopened and high-quality gifts suitable for children and young people aged 0-18. Please do not wrap the presents. Examples include:
- Toys
- Books
- Toiletries
- Stationery
- Gift vouchers
For more present ideas based on age please see the FAQ’s section below
Unaccepted donations
To maintain the integrity of our gift distribution, we do not accept:
- Used or second-hand items
- Damaged, dirty, or incomplete items
- Items with offensive or inappropriate content
- Food, perishable goods or alcohol
- If your present comes wrapped, we will have to unwrap it to identify its contents.
Collection centres:
Please see the confirmed collection centres for Broadland and South Norfolk:
When dropping off toys at a collection centre, please let staff know that your donation is for the Christmas Toy Appeal. Each venue has a secure, designated area for storing donated toys, so staff or volunteers may take them from you and place them in this space.
Broadland locations:
| Venue | Address | Opening Times |
| Broadland District Council | Horizon Building, Peachman Way, Broadland Business Park, Norwich NR7 0WF | Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Acle Recreation Centre | Bridewell Lane, Acle NR13 3RA | Monday - Friday 09.00 - 14.00 |
| Aylsham Library | 7 Hungate St, Aylsham NR11 6AA | Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 10.00 - 19.00 Wednesday 14.00 - 19.00 Sunday 10.00 - 16.00 |
| Bircham Centre | Market Pl, Reepham NR10 4JJ | Monday – Friday 09.00 – 17.00 Saturday 09.00 – 13.00 |
| British Red Cross | British Red Cross, Mobility Aids Service, Coronation Road, Norwich. NR6 5HD (Please go to the Mobility Aids door (by the disabled parking bays) and ring the bell.) | Monday – Friday 10:30 – 16.00 (Closed weekends & bank holidays) |
| Sprowston Town Council | Council Office, Recreation Ground Road, Sprowston NR7 8EW | Monday - Friday 09.30 - 16.00 |
| Taverham Nursery Centre | Fir Covert Road, Taverham NR8 6HT | Monday – Saturday 8.30 – 17.30 Sunday 10.00 – 16.30 |
| The Shoulder of Mutton Pub | 9 Norwich Road, Strumpshaw NR13 4NT | Monday - Sunday 09.00 - 21.00 |
| The Store, The Nest | Holt Road, Horsford NR10 3AQ | Monday – Friday 09.00 – 19.00 Saturday 09.00 – 15.00 Sunday 09.00 - 15.00 |
South Norfolk locations:
| Venue | Address | Opening Times |
| South Norfolk Council | Horizon Building, Peachman Way, Broadland Business Park, Norwich NR7 0WF | Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Costessey Town Council | The Costessey Centre, Longwater Lane, Costessey NR8 5AH | Monday - Thursday 09.30 - 16.30 Friday 09.30 - 13.30 |
| Diss Leisure Centre | 106 Victoria Road, Diss IP22 4JG | Monday - Friday 06.00 - 21.45 Saturday 07.30 - 16.30 Sunday 08.30 - 15.30 |
| Harleston Information Plus | 8 Exchange Street, Harleston IP20 9AB | Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 09.30 - 15.00 Thursday 09.30 - 12.30 Saturday 10.00 - 13.00 |
| Loddon Town Council | The Old School, Church Plain, Loddon, Norwich, NR14 6EX | Tuesday - Thursday 09.00 - 12.00 |
| Long Stratton Leisure Centre | Swan Lane, Long Stratton NR15 2UY | Monday - Friday 06.30 - 22.00 Saturday - Sunday 08.30 - 16.00 |
| Poringland Library | Overtons Way, Poringland, Norwich NR14 7WB | Monday 14.00 – 19.00 Tuesday 10.00 – 19.00 Wednesday 10.00 – 19.00 Friday 14.00 – 19.00 Saturday 10.00 – 16.00 |
| Wheel of Fortune Pub | Wheel Road, Alpington NR14 7NL | Tuesday 17.00 - 20.00 Wednesday - Thursday 12.00 - 23.00 Friday - Saturday 12.00 - 00.00 (close) Sunday 12.00 - 19.00 |
| Wymondham Leisure Centre | Norwich Road, Wymondham NR18 0NT | Monday - Friday 06.30 - 22.00 Saturday 08.00 - 16.45 Sunday 08.00 - 18.30 |
See how all your donations came together to make children smile across our districts in 2025!
Toy Donation - FAQ's
All referrals need to be made by a professional from a local service or organisation on the family’s behalf (schools, community connectors, charities) through a Help Hub referral. The professional will need to collect and deliver the presents to the family.
Babies (0 – 1 years):
- Hats
- Mittens
- Muslins
- Toys
- Teddies
Toddler (1 – 3 years):
- Books
- Puzzles
- Building blocks
- Dolls
- Hats
- Gloves
Lower Primary (4 – 7 years):
- Puzzles
- Lego
- Dolls
- Books
- Hats
- Gloves
- Figurines
- Outdoor toys
Upper Primary (8 – 11 years):
- Lego
- Art and crafts kits
- Gadgets
- Books
- Puzzles
- STEM activities
Lower Secondary (12 – 15 years):
Typically, we receive the least presents for those aged 12+. If you are unsure what to donate, please aim for this age bracket.
- Art and crafts kits
- Gadgets
- Entertainment
- Bath & body sets
- Accessories
- Board games
- Books
- Journals
- Mindfulness stationary
- Comics
- Vouchers (music & entertainment retailers, health & beauty retailers, multistore gift cards, coffee shop vouchers, clothing brands)
Upper secondary (16 – 18 years):
Typically, we receive the least presents for those aged 12+. If you are unsure what to donate, please aim for this age bracket.
- Art and crafts kits
- Gadgets
- Entertainment
- Bath & body sets
- Accessories
- Board games
- Books
- Journals
- Mindfulness stationary
- Vouchers (music & entertainment retailers, health & beauty retailers, multistore gift cards, coffee shop vouchers, clothing brands)
Please contact the communities team via email [email protected] or call 01603 430611 to enquire and check suitability.
Businesses are welcome to donate toys to any of our collection centres. If this is a bulk order, we ask that where possible this is delivered to our office due to limited space at the other venues.
Broadland and South Norfolk Council, Horizon Building, Peachman Way, Broadland Business Park, Norwich NR7 0WF
Business can also support in other ways including:
- Donating food vouchers or small presents for parents
- Offering services like transport, storage, wrapping paper, collection boxes
- Spreading the word through your networks and customers
Let’s come together to support families across our districts and make this season one to remember.
Contact our Communities Team if you'd like to be involved - [email protected]
When dropping off toys at a collection centre, please let staff know that your donation is for the Christmas Toy Appeal. Each venue has a secure, designated area for storing donated toys, so staff or volunteers may take them from you and place them in this space.
For safety reasons, do not leave toys outside or unattended. Always ensure donations are handed directly to a staff member or volunteer inside the venue.
Thank you so much for donating to our Christmas Toy Appeal!
Communities Team
Address: The Horizon Centre, Broadland Business Park, Peachman Way, Norwich, NR7 0WF
Telephone: 01603 430611
Email: [email protected]