Southend's Toy Drive runs until Tuesday 15 December. Drop new, unwrapped gifts at the Civic Centre, the Forum or the Leisure and Tennis Centre; teens need most.

Southend’s Christmas Toy Drive is open, and gifts need to be in by Tuesday 15 December. The council runs it every year for children and young people who might otherwise get nothing on Christmas Day.

This is its 13th year. The council says the drive has so far collected 44,702 donations and reached more than 21,200 children and young people (Southend-on-Sea City Council).

Gifts must be new and unwrapped. Volunteers sort and wrap them.

Where to drop gifts

Take them to any of these by Tuesday 15 December:

  • the Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue
  • the Forum, Elmer Square
  • Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre

You can also buy a gift at one of two local toy shops, Argosy Toys or Toys ‘N’ Tuck, and leave it there. The council collects from both.

To give online, choose “Toy Drive” on the Argosy Toys website, or search “Southend Toy Drive Donation” on the Toys ‘N’ Tuck site.

What they need most

Teenagers are the gap. Cllr Mandy O’Connor, cabinet member for children and SEND, said older children and teenagers “are often the age groups that receive the fewest donations but can benefit just as much from a thoughtful gift at Christmas”.

The council accepts:

  • new toys for babies, children and young people up to 18
  • vouchers for toys or days out
  • selection packs
  • pens, pencils and colouring books
  • toiletry sets

If a toy needs batteries, put them in with it.

What it means for you

If you are buying for the drive, a voucher for a day out or a toiletry set for a teenager fills the gap the council describes. If your workplace, school or club wants to collect in bulk, email the council first to arrange it.

Questions go to the Toy Drive team on 01702 215841 or ToyDrive@southend.gov.uk.

For what is on in the city this Christmas, see our guides to Southend Christmas markets and Light Up Leigh.