Christmas Present Appeal

Be a star and donate a toy to our appeal

Last year,  we distributed more than 76,000 gifts! This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the cost of living crisis.  

Many Salvation Army churches and centres across the UK will be running a Christmas Present Appeal again in 2023, collecting donated presents until mid-December. 

You can help us spread the joy of Christmas to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift. 

Please support your local Christmas Present Appeal by finding your nearest appeal and donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present. The gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need.

How to find your local appeal

To find out where to donate your gift or for more information on the Christmas Present Appeal please contact your local Salvation Army. You can search using our Google map to find your nearest participating church below.

a little brown teddy bear holding a small gift bag next to the big blue star logo for the Be A Star Christmas present appeal

Find your local Salvation Army

Many centres run Christmas present appeals. Find out if your local one is running one.

Search now

In Northern Ireland the Family Appeal is there to help struggling families celebrate Christmas. You can also donate toys directly to the Salvation Army by dropping them of at selected Tesco stores. 

Find your nearest Salvation Army centre by using our postcode and place search map page.

Suggested Gift List for Children and Young People

We believe every child deserves a new gift at Christmas so we are unable to take used or second hand items for the Christmas Present Appeal.

  • 0-3 years:  dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, puzzles
  • 3-5: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles
  • 5-9: educational games & toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), books, puzzles, wordsearch, crosswords
  • 9-12: games and toys, stationery, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats
  • 13-16: books, make-up and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers

Over the years, millions of children and young people have benefited from gifts donated to The Salvation Army.

By giving a gift to our Christmas Present Appeal you can make a real difference in someone’s life at Christmas.

Frequently asked questions

Donate a toy

Find your nearest participating Salvation Army by searching on our map page.

Find your local Salvation Army

Support in other ways

If you’re unable to donate a toy, your gift would still be greatly appreciated.

Donate a cash gift

Salvation Army and The Entertainer launch Christmas Toy Appeal

The Big Toy Appeal aims to bring the joy of Christmas to children who would otherwise go without.

Family Appeal

The Family Appeal is there to help struggling families in Northern Ireland celebrate Christmas.

Be a STAR!

Find out how you can spread some joy this Christmas with our FREE festive fundraising pack.

Christmas

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without The Salvation Army. Help us bring joy and hope to those who need it most.