Spread some Christmas magic with Southend's Toy Drive!
Christmas is all about giving, and this year, you can help make the festive season extra special for children and young people across Southend.
Southend-on-Sea City Council's annual Toy Drive is back for 2026, and everyone's invited to get involved! Now in its 13th year, the initiative brings our community together to make sure children and young people who might otherwise go without a present have something special to unwrap on Christmas morning.
Over the years, the generosity of local residents, businesses and visitors has helped deliver an incredible 44,702 gifts to more than 21,200 children and young people. This Christmas, we're hoping to spread even more festive cheer!
A little gift can make a big difference
Whether it's a cuddly toy for a little one, a creative gift for a budding artist or something special for a teenager, every donation helps make Christmas that little bit brighter.
The Toy Drive welcomes new, unwrapped gifts for children and young people aged up to 18, including:
Toys and games for all ages, from babies to teenagers
Arts and crafts supplies, colouring books, pens and pencils
Toiletry and gift sets
Chocolate selection packs
Gift vouchers for toys or days out. Gifts for older children and teenagers are especially welcome, as these age groups often receive fewer donations.
If your chosen gift needs batteries, please include those too! All donated gifts will be sorted and wrapped by volunteers before being distributed to children and young people who need them most.
Shop local and give back!
Want to make your donation go even further? Why not support one of Southend's independent toy shops while you're at it? Two local favourites are helping with this year's Toy Drive, making it easy to buy a gift and have it collected by the council's very own Christmas elves!
Argosy Toys – Browse online and select the Toy Drive option to donate a gift.
Toys 'N' Tuck – Search for Southend Toy Drive Donation on their website to get involved.
It's a lovely way to support local businesses while putting a smile on someone's face this Christmas.
Where can I drop off a donation?
If you'd prefer to buy a gift yourself, you can drop off your new, unwrapped donations at one of these locations:
Southend Civic Centre
The Forum, Southend
Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre
The final day for donations is Tuesday 15 December 2026, so there's plenty of time to pick up an extra present while doing your Christmas shopping!
Let's make Christmas special for everyone
Southend is a city with a big heart, and the Toy Drive is a wonderful example of what we can achieve when we come together. Whether you donate one small gift or a whole sackful, your kindness could make a real difference to a local child this Christmas.
So, while you're ticking off your Christmas shopping list, why not add one more gift for someone who could really use a little festive magic?
Every gift counts. Let's make Christmas 2026 one to remember!
For more information about the Toy Drive, or to arrange a larger donation, contact the team on 01702 215841 or email toydrive@southend.gov.uk.
