Where to donate unwanted toys in Manchester this Christmas

Many people are likely to be feeling the pinch this Christmas as the cost of living crisis sets in. So make sure that children don’t miss out this Christmas, there are plenty of places taking toy donations especially for the festive season. Here are some places in Greater Manchester that will be accepting children’s items in the run up to Christmas.

Access Self Storage

The storage company has partnered with The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust – a Cheshire-based charity that provides free programmes for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children in the North West – for their annual toy appeal.

They are asking for donations of toys, games and activities for children aged 2–17. Items can be dropped off at the reception of Access Self Storage on Leestone Road, Sharston Industrial Estate, Manchester, M22 4RW.

Donations will close on 12 December.

Helen Crowther, trust fundraiser at the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, said: “This year we are aiming to provide magical Christmas experiences for 3,000 children whose lives are impacted by illness, disability, or social disadvantage.

This toy appeal will provide a lasting memory of their special day, one they will treasure in the dark times that may lie ahead.”

Lidl Bear’s Toy Bank

The supermarket has launched a Christmas appeal, inviting shoppers to donate toys to the in-store collection points.

Lidl has teamed up with the Neighbourly platform, which helps businesses get involved with charitable causes. The platform pairs each Lidl store with a local charity so that your donation goes directly to someone in your community.

They are asking for new toys only, meaning anything that is donated must be unused and still in its original packaging. New toys can also be bought in Lidl stores and donated. The last day to donate is 16 December.

Wood Street Mission

The Wood Street Mission is a charity that supports children from low income families and their Christmas appeal is back for 2022.

They are asking for new, unwrapped toys for children up to the age of 14. There is lots of information on gift ideas for each age group on their website. All toys, games and books can be taken to Wood Street Mission, 26 Wood Street, M3 3EF. It is open Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm.

Alternatively, they have also provided links to Amazon wish lists, where you can buy items that will be sent directly to the charity.

The last day for donations is 9 December.

The Trafford Centre

Trafford Council and Trafford Communities Hub are asking for donations of household and Christmas items that will then be distributed throughout the area.

The last day to donate will be Sunday 18 December. Only new items will be accepted, not second-hand. The collection point is located at the customer service desk on the ground floor of the Main Dome of the Trafford Centre.

Tameside Toy Appeal

One in four children in Tameside are living in poverty, according to the council, which is why they are running their Christmas appeal again this year, together with Action Together.

Tameside Council are asking for items suitable for children aged up to 18. Only new and unwrapped donations will be accepted. Soft toys and second-hand toys will not be accepted.

There is a full list of toy recommendations for each age group on the Action Together website, where you will also find a list of the dozens of collection points throughout the borough.

The last day for donations is 9 December.

That Toy Thing

Charity That Toy Thing operates all year-round collecting both pre-loved and new toys, if you’re looking to donate any unwanted gifts after Christmas. They also place emphasis on sustainability and making sure usable toys are not thrown away needlessly.

They run a monthly toy sharing scheme, which parents can sign up to for £5 per week. The National Lottery Community Fund has helped support 100 families with these 6-month toy swap subscriptions over two years.

They pick up toy donations and will also clean them before they are sent out. More information about the charity and organising a collection can be found on their website.