New or preloved toys and gifts can be donated directly to the ten participating community schemes, where they will be passed on for other families to love.
In addition to supporting the ten Community Christmas Toy Schemes, the Council will once again collaborate with local charity, Habitat for Humanity (NI) to expand upon the heart-warming successes of previous years.
The Council provide Christmas Toy Collection containers at the five Household Recycling Centres in the Borough for the donation of preloved toys during the month of November, which are then processed and redistributed by Habitat for Humanity (NI) to support local families through two ‘ReStore Pop-Up Toy Events’.
Testament to the community’s generosity, last year saw an impressive 7,535 new and preloved toys donated. This act of kindness not only brought smiles to children across the Borough but also successfully diverted 4.4 tonnes of potential waste from landfill.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper commented,
“We are delighted to be rolling out our fourth Christmas Community Toy Scheme and I would like to extend my personal thanks to our residents and local community partners for their generosity and support.
Christmas can be difficult for many families and particularly in these uncertain times. This is a great opportunity to support those in need by donating new or preloved gifts and toys so other children and families can enjoy them”
Isobel Kerr, ReStore Manager at Habitat for Humanity, expressed gratitude, saying,
“We were so thankful for the community support from local people for last year's Christmas Community Toy Scheme. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, giving local families access to good quality, affordable toys this Christmas at ReStore."
To find out more about where, when and how to donate, visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas-toy-scheme