Businesses and individuals across Birmingham are being encouraged to support the return of Toys4Birmingham, an annual Christmas appeal collecting new toys and gifts for some of the city’s most vulnerable children and young people.
Organised by Thrive Together Birmingham in partnership with Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, Birmingham PlayCare Network, Birmingham Mail and Birmingham Live, the appeal responds to requests from Birmingham’s Children’s Centres to help ensure every child has something special to open at Christmas.
Donations are distributed through community networks to children and young people aged 0–18 who may otherwise go without a Christmas present. Local businesses, colleagues and communities are encouraged to get involved by organising workplace collections or bringing together donations with friends and neighbours.
What can you donate?
The appeal is looking for new, unwrapped gifts suitable for babies, children and teenagers. Suggested donations include:
- Babies and toddlers: Baby books, teething toys, bath toys, stacking cups, soft toys and chunky board puzzles.
- Creative gifts: Colouring books, crayons, felt tips, craft kits, Lego, play dough and fun stationery.
- Games and activities: Card games, jigsaw puzzles, sticker books, puzzle books, balls and toy vehicles.
- Toys and characters: Dolls, dinosaurs, action figures, toy animals and plush toys.
- Teenage gifts and essentials: Journals, pens, deodorant, body spray, shower gel, lip balm, winter hats, gloves and novelty socks.
- Cosy treats: Mugs, hot chocolate sachets and marshmallows.
All donations must be new items only. Gifts should be left unwrapped.
Where and when to donate
Donations can be dropped off at:
Edgbaston Stadium
Edgbaston Road
Birmingham
B5 7QU
Collection dates and times:
- Friday 4 December: 10:00–14:00
- Saturday 5 December: 10:00–13:00
- Monday 7 December: 10:00–13:00
Alternative drop-off arrangements can be made until Wednesday 16 December by contacting Louise on 07469 979286.
Those unable to donate physical gifts can also support the appeal with a monetary contribution through the online fundraising page.
Every donation, whether a single gift or a collection organised across an entire workplace, can help make a difference to a child or young person’s Christmas.
Find out more or make a donation: thrivetogetherbham.org/activity/toys4bham/
For further information, contact admin@thrivetogetherbham.org.
