Pre-loved Christmas toy drive for families in need

An appeal for pre-loved toys has been launched to help thousands of children in York and North Yorkshire over Christmas.

The "Reuse Santa" campaign gives clean, complete and working toys, games, books and puzzles a second life by donating them to families in need.

According to North Yorkshire Council, more than 5,000 toys were redistributed to children in the area last year.

Donations will be accepted from 15 to 29 November at all of the region's household waste recycling centres.

Executive member for waste services, Richard Foster, said: "Christmas can be a time when finances are tight, so the aim of the scheme is to relieve some of the burden.

"All we ask is that the gifts are in a condition that you would like to receive, and please remember that we can't accept toys powered by mains electricity."

In its eighth year, the appeal is run by Yorwaste in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, City of York Council and local charity and community partners.

Jenny Kent, City of York Council's executive member for environment and climate emergency, added: "Reuse Santa is a wonderful example of how a simple act of generosity can make a real difference to families across York and North Yorkshire.

"By donating good quality toys, books and games that are no longer needed, we can all help bring joy to local children while reducing waste and giving items a second life."

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