Throughout November and early December, collection containers will be available at the Council’s Household Recycling Centres in Newpark, Bruslee, Crumlin, and O’Neill Road for the donation of gently used toys.
All toys collected will be processed and redistributed by Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland, supporting local families through a special ‘ReStore Pop-up Toy Event’ on Friday 5 December, from 10:30am to 2:30pm, at Muckamore Community Centre. The event is being delivered in partnership with Muckamore Parish Development Association.
The initiative gives families the opportunity to select toys at minimal cost, helping to spread joy while easing some of the financial pressures often felt during the Christmas season.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said:
“We hope this year’s scheme will be as successful as last year’s, when we received an incredible 5,525 new and pre-loved toys thanks to the generosity of residents, businesses, and community organisations across the Borough.
That remarkable support helped over 650 local families and diverted around six tonnes of toys from landfill, making a meaningful contribution to both our community and our environment.
I’m confident that our community’s generosity will shine once again this year, bringing comfort and joy to families who need it most.”
Isobel Kerr from Habitat for Humanity Ireland added:
“We’re so grateful for our ongoing partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The ReStore Christmas Toy Scheme gives local families access to good-quality, pre-loved toys at affordable prices, and the continued support from residents has been truly heartwarming. We look forward to another successful year of giving."
In addition to the Council’s recycling centres (with the exception of Craigmore which is undergoing improvement works), toy donations can also be made at Fitmoms & Kids, Portland Avenue, Glengormley, Crumlin Community Hub, and The Listening Ear, Dunanney Centre, Newtownabbey.
For more information, visit: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas-toy-scheme
Caption: Launching this year’s Christmas Toy Scheme (L-R): Will McDowell, DEA Engagement Officer, Karen Kerr from The Listening Ear; Alderman Julian McGrath, Deputy Mayor Councillor Julie Gilmour; Father Christmas, Nicola Keown, Climate, Waste and Sustainability Officer; Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP and Isobel Kerr from Habitat for Humanity.