Central Co-op Toy Appeal 2025
Let’s make it a season of comfort and joy.
We’re just 71 days away from Christmas Day! . . .
. . . so we're starting the countdown to our Toy Appeal 2025. This year we’re making it even bigger, brighter and easier to get involved.
From Wednesday 12th November - Saturday 13th December you’ll find Toy Donation Points in all Central Co-op Stores where you can drop your gifts in whenever you’re visiting us. We’re accepting new toys and games that will bring children joy this Christmas.
As in previous years, we’ll donate what we collect to local charities close to our stores and we’ll also work with national charities to deliver gifts to families in need further afield.
We only ask that your donations are brand new, and do not reference war or violence in any way – so no toy weapons or fighting games. Our charities also suggest we avoid gifts that are edible or require ongoing costs for families e.g. anything battery operated or requiring additional purchases to enjoy them – such as video games and DVDs.
New for 2025
We’re introducing a range of ‘stocking filler’ gifts for children in a section of our stores. If you’ve forgotten to bring a toy to donate to the appeal, these present an ideal opportunity to get involved.
The toy range will be found on specially designed festive display units and includes craft sets and cuddly toys that are priced between £6-8. We encourage you to pop one in your basket the next time you shop with us and turn it into a donation for our Toy Appeal.
Pop-up Festive Events
We plan to visit a range of stores with our Festive Toy Van to raise awareness of the Toy Appeal, provide a chance to chat with our store teams and build some much-needed cheer in the lead up to Christmas.
During these visits you’ll get to taste samples from our delicious festive product range - including Gingerbread & Maple Mince Pies, Irresistible Giant Cinnamon Knots, Fruited and spiced stollen, Black Forest Brownies and Irresistible Roast Duck & Spiced Clementine Crisps!
Following our exciting news about Chelmsford Star Co-op’s transfer to Central Co-op, we’re extending the Toy Appeal to a selection of stores in Essex this year so our new Members and colleagues can get involved too.
Our Festive Toy Van tour dates and stores will be shared with you in the coming weeks.
If you’re planning a visit to one of our community stores between 12th November and 13th December please bring a brand-new toy or game that you can donate to a child who might otherwise go without.