Scarborough Rotary Launches 2025 Christmas Toy Appeal Targeting 40,000 Donations

The Rotary Club of Scarborough has officially launched its 2025 Christmas Toy Appeal, calling upon local businesses and the community to help meet a goal of collecting 40,000 toys for families in need.

The appeal, which has grown significantly since its inception, aims to cater for 4,000 families this Christmas. Coordinator Nigel Wood estimated that reaching the target of 40,000 toys would represent approximately half a million pounds in value.

Mr Wood, who began the initiative 14 years ago when he was Rotary president, explained that the appeal started with three businesses and 390 toys. He highlighted the dramatic growth:

"14 years ago when I was rotary president just said, let's, let's do something different that's gonna have some impact in the community, and it was born three businesses, 390 toys, and it's grown to what it was last year 53 businesses 35,000 toys looking after 3 and a half thousand families it's now huge and it's great and it's growing it's got to grow because sadly the need is growing.

To the little lady or child that brings one toy to the business that gives 500 600 700 toys it's all important.

Already this year you've got commitment from 40 businesses. But if there's any businesses out there, just contact Nigel at peace of mind because the need is great.

We couldn't do this without the people, other businesses of Scarborough".

Rotary Club President Richard Dean expressed the emotional significance of the work, despite the logistical challenges involved:

"Hopefully 40,000 toys this year and uh 4,000 families. Oh, it just brings tears to your eyes.

It's a logistical nightmare, but the volunteers we have, the mini buses we have, the vans to collect all the toys, it's incredible. Incredible".

Mr Wood noted that the appeal ensures children receive enough gifts to make their Christmas special, stating:

"I want us to get 40,000 toys this year. And if we get 40,000 toys, somebody said last year, what sort of value is that? And I think if we get 40,000 toys, that'll be about half a million pound in value.

But we're catering for 4,000 families. So one child doesn't get one toy. If it's two children in a family, they have enough toys to make their Christmas. So they get five or six. And that's really important.

And to see 35,000 toys being distributed to 400 square miles, you know, it just not just Scarborough now it's down to Brandesburton up to Hinderwell across to Castle Howard and everything in between. So it's having massive impact but to see that that was fairly emotional".

Community Need and Support

James Cliffe from North Yorkshire Council's No Wrong Door Project underscored the profound impact of the public's generosity, especially when many families are struggling financially. Mr Cliffe stated:

"It just shows you that despite all the challenges we have in society, community still stands up and our community in Scarborough and the surrounding area in the borough is phenomenal.

Every year they just it gets bigger and bigger when things are getting tighter and tighter and I think that's true testament to the wonderful people we have here in in the borough and it is truly heartwarming because obviously working in the social care environment we see first hand the challenges out there and families are some families are having it really tough. So this sort of helping hand and leg up at Christmas is just marvellous

And it allows it allows families to to celebrate together rather than probably just have another day of really worrying about money and whether you can have heating or food etc. And really gifts are probably going to come a third to that. So if we can help out with that bit, it just brings that all together for them".

Supporting the appeal are various local organisations and businesses. Nicole from Asquith Accountants, which has offices in Scarborough and Whitby, explained her company’s commitment:

"My name is Nicole and I work for Ask Accountants in Scarborough and Whitby. We've done it for the last few years now and it's something we're quite passionate about. We like to get involved in the community and just support local charities and give something back really.

We've made a donation ourselves this year. We tried to do a variety. So, we've given some selection boxes, some kids toys, and then some games for the older children as well because it's nice to give a variety and make sure everyone gets something.

The thing that shocked me was the sort of age range of the children being right up to sort of 25 years old. So, last year we donated clothing for the older ones, but we've done a bit more of a range this year just so everyone's got something to have at Christmas.

It's fantastic. I've got kids myself and the joy of watching them on Christmas morning. It's nice to know that you've contributed to other families being able to have that as well that maybe wouldn't have without the support of local businesses".

Sharon Tate of Scarborough Rugby Club highlighted the role of the club members in gathering donations:

"I just think it's so important. We're really lucky at the club and we've got so many members and we look after 450 children up there playing rugby, but there's a lot of families that don't have that love and care and don't get those gifts at Christmas. And if we can play a small part in that from our members and our teams that come through the door every day, then I'm happy to facilitate that.

I started at the club four years ago and it's just grown every year since I've been involved in it. And as you come through the doors and you can see the tables just laden with gifts, As we get nearer to the collection date, it just inspires other people to join in and help us out".

Logistical support is managed by St Cecilia's Care Group. Anne Brand confirmed their contribution:

"My name is Anne Brand. I work for St. Cecilia's Care Group. We support with all the logistics for picking up all the toys and also delivering them to the food banks and where they need to be.

We've got a facilities team that support with that. So I think we've got about three vans about seven or eight staff that'll be available supporting this year.

I think sometimes it's a surprise that the food banks, they're expecting things or people are expecting things but maybe not expecting what they get or the quantity of what they get as well".

How to Donate

The Rotary Club of Scarborough is welcoming new, unwrapped toys from both businesses and individuals, asserting that "every single donation makes a difference".

Drop-off points are located at various locations in Scarborough:

• Peace Of Mind Financial Solutions, Falsgrave Road (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm).
• Westborough Methodist Church, Westborough (Tues 10am-1pm).
• Colin Ellis Property Services, 49 Aberdeen Walk (Normal Business Hours).
• Scarborough Rugby Club, Silver Royd, Scalby Road (FAO Sharon Tait).
• St Cecilia's Nursing Home, 19 Filey Road (FAO Anne Brand - Normal Office Hours).
• Ellis Hay Estate Agents, 14 Aberdeen Walk (Normal Hours).

The public is also invited to attend the Toy and Carol Celebration, which is scheduled for Saturday 7th December at 6:00 pm at Westborough Methodist Church. Those wishing for their workplace to get involved can contact Nigel Wood directly.

The Rotary Club stated that by working together, the community can "ensure that no child misses out on the magic of Christmas morning".

If you or your workplace would like to get involved, please contact Nigel Wood on 07811 373880