New, unwrapped toys for local children can be left in boxes at five spots in the Orchards and Priory shopping centres. The council and The Salvation Army wrap and hand them out.
Dartford residents can leave a new, unwrapped present for a local child in donation boxes at five spots in the town’s two shopping centres. Dartford Borough Council launched the Christmas toy appeal on Thursday with The Salvation Army.
The gifts will be wrapped and given to children and families facing hardship, homelessness or a difficult time, in time for Christmas. The council’s announcement says the appeal is also supported by Dartford Living, and local businesses are being asked to join in.
Where to drop off a gift
The boxes were made by ARC, a Dartford design and print company. The council’s toy appeal page lists these drop-off points:
| Shopping centre | Drop-off point |
|---|---|
| Orchards Shopping Centre | Balloons 4 U |
| Orchards Shopping Centre | MK Mix |
| Priory Shopping Centre | Sally Bees |
| Priory Shopping Centre | The Works |
| Priory Shopping Centre | The Christmas Grotto |
What to give
Gifts must be new and unwrapped. The council suggests these by age:
- 0 to 3 years: dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys and puzzles
- 3 to 5 years: dolls, action figures, cars, lorries, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books and puzzles
- 5 to 9 years: educational games and toys, stationery, books, puzzles, word searches and crosswords
- 9 to 12 years: games and toys, stationery, books, T-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves and hats
- 13 to 16 years: books, make-up and toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers
For make-up and toiletries, the appeal page asks donors to choose non-allergic ingredients where they can.
What the council said
Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said: “Christmas is all about bringing people together, looking out for one another, and sharing a little kindness.”
He added: “A single toy may seem like a small gesture, but to a child who might otherwise go without, it can make all the difference.”
What it means for you
- Buy a new present, leave it unwrapped, and take it to one of the five boxes above.
- Neither the council’s page nor its announcement gives a closing date. The Salvation Army says its Christmas present appeals generally collect gifts until mid-December, so dropping off by early December is the safe choice.
- The Salvation Army’s page has more on how its present appeal works.
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