Gift appeal: how and where to donate unwanted toys and games
What goes around comes around: support the Toy Gift Appeal. Photograph: Hackney Council
Toys being collected at libraries across Hackney are to be given a new lease of life with the next generation of children.
The annual collection got underway this week to help spread some January joy to Hackney children.
People can donate unwanted toys and games at collection points at the seven main libraries across Hackney as part of an annual appeal to make sure they bring joy to families – and avoid ending up in landfill.
The council is collecting the toys from Tuesday 3 January until Tuesday 24 January, and it is hoped that the collection boxes will be filled with exciting toys to keep children amused.
Residents who are having a clear-out of toys that their children have outgrown are urged to donate them by dropping them off at libraries.
The toys, which need to be clean and in good condition, are passed on to charities and education centres in Hackney.
You can donate toys in good or excellent condition including:
- books and other educational materials
- jigsaw puzzles and puzzles
- board games
- balls
- unopened paints and pens
- suitable electronic and electric play items
- suitable baby play items
- bikes, scooters, and skateboards
- teddies and soft toys
- costumes (but not regular clothes)
The scheme is delivered in partnership with Forest Recycling Project.
This year the appeal has added urgency, as the cost-of-living crisis saw many families cut back on their spending over Christmas as they worry about soaring fuel and food costs.
It is estimated that nearly half of the borough’s children live in poverty.
The scheme is also part of a drive to encourage a circular economy, so people re-use things or pass them on when they’ve outgrown them, as well as ensuring children get fun toys to play with.
There are collection boxes at Stoke Newington, Homerton, Shoreditch, Stamford Hill, Dalston CLR James, Hackney Central and Clapton libraries.
People can also donate or pick up a warm coat at racks in the libraries.
The collection has extended to all Hackney libraries this year, offering a no-questions-asked option to pick up a warm coat for free and for others to clear space in their wardrobes.
The buildings are also serving as warm spaces for people worried about their heating bills.
They are open to all for free and offer spaces to study, read and use computers, as well as printing.
Public libraries across London are serving as Warm Spaces this winter and people do not have to be library members to use them.