New, unwrapped gifts for children aged 0 to 18 can be left at nine Broadland drop-off points until 29 November. Teenagers are the age group that gets least.
Broadland’s Christmas toy appeal is open, and gifts can be dropped off at nine places in the district until Sunday 29 November. The appeal is run by the councils’ Help Hub. It collects new, unwrapped presents for children and young people aged 0 to 18 whose families are going through hardship.
Last year it collected more than 1,000 toys, 378 books and almost 300 other gifts. They went to 208 families across Broadland and South Norfolk, the councils said on 2 November.
Where to drop gifts off in Broadland
Tell the staff your donation is for the Christmas Toy Appeal. Each venue has a secure area where it stores the gifts. These are the Broadland collection points and their opening times, as listed on the appeal page:
| Venue | Address | Open for drop-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Broadland District Council | Horizon Building, Peachman Way, Broadland Business Park, NR7 0WF | Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm |
| Acle Recreation Centre | Bridewell Lane, Acle, NR13 3RA | Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm |
| Aylsham Library | 7 Hungate Street, Aylsham, NR11 6AA | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10am to 7pm; Wed 2pm to 7pm; Sun 10am to 4pm |
| Bircham Centre | Market Place, Reepham, NR10 4JJ | Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 9am to 1pm |
| British Red Cross | Mobility Aids Service, Coronation Road, Hellesdon, NR6 5HD | Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4pm |
| Sprowston Town Council | Council Office, Recreation Ground Road, Sprowston, NR7 8EW | Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm |
| Taverham Nursery Centre | Fir Covert Road, Taverham, NR8 6HT | Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm; Sunday 10am to 4.30pm |
| The Shoulder of Mutton | 9 Norwich Road, Strumpshaw, NR13 4NT | Every day, 9am to 9pm |
| The Store, The Nest | Holt Road, Horsford, NR10 3AQ | Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 3pm |
At the British Red Cross, go to the Mobility Aids door by the disabled parking bays and ring the bell. It is closed at weekends and on bank holidays.
The Shoulder of Mutton in Strumpshaw is the only Broadland drop-off open every evening. Aylsham Library, Taverham Nursery Centre and The Nest in Horsford also take gifts on Sundays.
What to give, and what not to
The appeal accepts new, unopened, good-quality gifts:
- toys and books
- toiletries
- stationery
- gift vouchers
Do not wrap them. The appeal page says a wrapped present will have to be unwrapped to check what is inside.
It cannot take:
- used or second-hand items
- damaged, dirty or incomplete items
- anything with offensive or inappropriate content
- food, perishable goods or alcohol
The age group that misses out
The councils say they typically receive the fewest presents for children aged 12 and over. If you are unsure what to give, the appeal page asks you to aim at that age group.
Its suggestions for 12 to 18-year-olds include:
- art and craft kits, board games and books
- bath and body sets, journals and comics
- vouchers for music, entertainment, health and beauty, clothing or coffee shops
For babies it suggests hats, mittens, muslins and teddies. For primary-age children it lists puzzles, Lego, books, craft kits and outdoor toys.
Who gets the presents
The gifts go to children who are already being supported by local professionals and partner agencies, many of whom might otherwise have no present on Christmas Day.
Families cannot apply themselves. A referral has to come from a professional, such as a school, a community connector or a charity, through the Help Hub. That professional then collects the presents and takes them to the family.
What it means for you
If you want to give, the deadline is 29 November. A gift aimed at a teenager is the most useful thing you can drop off. Businesses making a bulk donation are asked to take it to the council offices at Broadland Business Park, because the other venues have little space.
A business, pub or group that wants to become a collection point can contact the councils’ communities team on 01603 430611.
If you work with a family who is struggling, the referral route is the Help Hub.
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