Dartford Christmas Toy Appeal

This Christmas, help us spread some festive joy to children who may not otherwise receive a gift. In partnership with The Salvation Army, we're calling on the big hearts of Dartford residents to help us share Christmas gifts and messages of hope for someone experiencing hardship, homelessness or tough times.

You can do your bit by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts at designated donation spots within the Orchards Shopping Centre and Priory Shopping Centre. The gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need, just in time for Christmas.

What can I give?

Here is a simple guide for what you can donate to support our appeal so that children of all ages can benefit:

• 0-3 years:  dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, puzzles
• 3-5: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles
• 5-9: educational games & toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), books, puzzles, wordsearch, crosswords
• 9-12: games and toys, stationery, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats
• 13-16: books, make-up and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers

The Salvation Army's website offers a lot more information on the toy appeal.

Where do I drop my gift off?

Dartford design and print company ARC have kindly created donation boxes for you to drop off your gift.

You can find these boxes at:

• Balloons 4 U
• MK Mix

• Sally Bees
• The Works
• The Christmas grotto