Help us provide Christmas gifts for local children
Every Christmas, CARE's Toys for Joy appeal helps local families who are struggling financially to provide gifts for their children.
In 2025, with the support of businesses, community groups and individuals across North East Lincolnshire, 993 children received gifts through Toys for Joy.
Parents and carers are able to choose gifts for their own children, giving them the opportunity to find something they know their children will enjoy.
We are now preparing for Christmas 2026 and asking our local community to support the appeal once again.
Make a Donation
Financial donations allow CARE to purchase the toys and gifts we need, particularly for age groups where fewer items are donated.
They also help us respond to gaps in the donations we receive, so that parents and carers have a suitable range of gifts to choose from.
You can make a one-off donation using the form below. Every contribution, whatever the amount, helps us prepare for this year's appeal.
Suggested donation amounts
Support Toys for Joy through JustGiving
Our Toys for Joy 2026 JustGiving campaign is also open for donations.
You can support the appeal directly, share the campaign with friends and family, or use it to raise money through your workplace, school or community group.
DONATE TOYS AND GIFTS
What to Donate:
We welcome donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and young people aged 0–18.
Parents and carers choose gifts themselves, so please leave all donations unwrapped.
Amazon Wishlist:
You can also purchase a gift through our Amazon Wishlist and arrange for it to be delivered directly to CARE.
Where to Drop Off Donations:
Please bring new, unwrapped toys and gifts to:
CARE Hub
86–88 Victoria Street, Grimsby
CARE Charity Shop
46–47 Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes
Lincolnshire Co-op Travel
33 Victoria Street, Grimsby
Donation deadline:
7 December 2026.
Additional collection points will be announced as more local businesses and organisations join the appeal.
What Gifts Do We Need?
We need gifts for children of all ages, from babies through to teenagers.
This year, we particularly need donations for babies and teenagers.
If you're buying gifts or organising a collection, please consider including something for these age groups.
Our guide below gives some ideas, but you are welcome to choose other suitable gifts.
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Soft toys and teddy bears
Baby rattles and sensory toys
Musical and light-up toys
Stacking cups and shape sorters
Building blocks and large construction toys
Bath toys
Push-along toys and toy vehicles
Picture books and board books
Baby dolls and simple pretend-play toys
Early learning and activity toys
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Dolls, dolls' clothes and accessories
Toy cars, trucks and garages
Dinosaurs and animal figures
Action figures and playsets
LEGO and age-appropriate construction sets
Puzzles and simple board games
Colouring books, crayons and felt-tip pens
Play-Doh and modelling sets
Arts and crafts kits
Dressing-up clothes and pretend-play sets
Children's books
Outdoor toys and sports balls
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LEGO and construction sets
Board games and card games
Remote-control cars
Dolls and collectible figures
Science and discovery kits
Arts and crafts sets
Jewellery-making kits
Footballs and other sports equipment
Jigsaw puzzles
Children's books and graphic novels
Drawing sets and stationery
Magic sets and activity kits
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Board games and strategy games
Gaming accessories
Headphones and small speakers
Sports equipment and footballs
Arts, crafts and creative kits
Sketchbooks and quality art supplies
Books and graphic novels
Jewellery-making and accessory sets
Bags, purses and wallets
Water bottles and travel mugs
Remote-control toys and model kits
STEM and science kits
Age-appropriate toiletries and gift sets
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Headphones and wireless earbuds
Portable speakers
Toiletry and personal-care gift sets
Make-up and nail-care sets
Skincare and grooming products
Perfume and aftershave gift sets
Bags, wallets and purses
Hats, scarves and gloves
Jewellery and accessories
Sports equipment
Art supplies and sketchbooks
Books and journals
Board games and card games
Phone accessories and charging cables
Gift vouchers for shops, gaming or entertainment
A Few Things to Remember
All donated gifts must be new and unwrapped.
Please choose age-appropriate items that meet relevant UK product safety requirements.
If you're unsure what to buy, our Amazon Wishlist provides further ideas.
Get Your Business or Community Group Involved
Toys for Joy relies on the support of local businesses, schools, community organisations and individuals who give their time, raise funds and donate gifts.
There are several ways your organisation can take part:
Organise a toy collection
Invite colleagues, customers or members to contribute new toys and gifts.
Make a financial donation
Help CARE purchase gifts that are needed but haven't been received through donations.
Hold a fundraising event
Organise a Christmas jumper day, raffle, sponsored activity or workplace fundraiser.
Become a collection point or host a Giving Tree
Provide a convenient location for people to drop off donated toys and gifts, or set up a Giving Tree where customers, colleagues or visitors can choose a gift tag and purchase a present for a local child.
Share the appeal
Promote Toys for Joy through your workplace, website, social media or community networks.
If your organisation would like to get involved, please contact CARE. We can discuss how you would like to help and any practical arrangements needed.
Telephone: 01472 232310
Email: hello@carenelincs.co.uk
The Difference Your Support Makes
For parents already struggling to meet everyday living costs, finding the money for Christmas presents can bring additional worry.
Toys for Joy offers practical help at a time when families may have very little money to spare.
Just as importantly, parents and carers choose the gifts themselves. They know their children best, and we want them to have that choice.
The feedback we receive from families helps explain what this support means to them.
What Families Have Told Us
Help Us Make Toys for Joy Possible
Every year, Toys for Joy is made possible by people across our local community who choose to get involved.
Whether you donate a gift, contribute financially, organise a collection or encourage others to support us, your contribution is valued.
Thank you for supporting Toys for Joy 2026.
If you would like to organise a collection, offer a donation point or discuss supporting the appeal, please contact:
CARE Hub
86–88 Victoria Street
Grimsby
DN31 1BG
Telephone: 01472 232310
Email: hello@carenelincs.co.uk