Tesco launches Christmas toy donation drive to help families in need

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, and for many families, it’s a struggle just to cover the basics, let alone fill stockings or wrap presents.

That’s why Tesco is stepping in again with a simple but powerful idea, a nationwide toy donation drive to make sure more children have something to smile about on Christmas morning.

Running until 15 December, the appeal is taking place in over 800 large Tesco stores across the UK.

Shoppers can donate new, unwrapped toys bought in-store, which will then be handed to local charities and community groups helping families who might otherwise go without.

How it works

Every participating store has a donation point where you can drop off your gift.

The toys collected are passed on to local organisations chosen by Tesco’s community teams, who know the people most in need nearby.

In Leicester, for example, gifts will go to Christ the King Church, which supports families struggling financially over the festive season.

In Newcastle, donations will benefit Pathways 4 All, a North East charity that runs play sessions and activities for children with special needs.

Elsewhere, groups like Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, Amelia’s Rainbow, and Caister Community Larder will also be supported.

Many smaller local food banks, hospital wards and branches of the Salvation Army will receive toys too.

These partnerships are carefully picked by Tesco’s local “Community Champions”, who work with good causes all year round.

It’s a real example of how big supermarkets can play a part in their communities, not just during the holidays but every week of the year.

What Tesco says

Claire De Silva, Tesco’s head of communities, said the annual campaign shows how much difference local kindness can make. “Our stores are committed to supporting children and families year-round, and the toy donation drive is a wonderful way to help every child experience the magic of Christmas.”

Joanne Cooper, a Community Champion at Tesco Newcastle Extra, added: “It’s such a special way to bring people together. The generosity of our customers means families who are struggling can still make Christmas morning special.”

Last year, Tesco shoppers donated more than 125,000 toys, and the retailer is hoping to beat that figure this year.

Why it matters

For parents worrying about heating bills, food costs and rising prices, presents can easily drop to the bottom of the list. This is where local giving schemes like Tesco’s really make a difference.

It’s not about expensive gifts; a small puzzle, book, or teddy can mean everything to a child who might otherwise have nothing to open.

How to take part

If you’d like to help, here’s what to do:

1. Pop into a large Tesco store before 15 December.
2. Buy a new, unwrapped toy while doing your shop — anything from a soft toy to a colouring set or game.
3. Drop it in the collection point near the checkouts.

That’s it. Tesco and its charity partners will handle the rest. Your toy will be given to a child in your area before Christmas Day.

Little ways to help if you’re short on cash

If you’re feeling the squeeze yourself, there are still ways to make a difference:

• Spread the word by telling friends and family or sharing the campaign online.
• Volunteer your time with a local charity or food bank.
• Make something small — homemade decorations or crafts can be just as special as shop-bought gifts.

Even small gestures add up when lots of people get involved.

Making Christmas brighter together

It’s easy to feel like these problems are too big to fix, but every donation helps a real family somewhere in the UK. The beauty of Tesco’s toy drive is that it keeps things local, letting you give directly to children in your own community.

For many parents, knowing someone cared enough to help can be just as powerful as the gift itself.