Every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas. You can make sure no child in Rotherham wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning by donating to the Rotherham Toy Appeal.

The annual toy appeal has been providing gifts to Rotherham’s most vulnerable children and young people for over 30 years. It is run by the small charity, Rotherham Families First, with the support of Parkgate Shopping.

Donating is simple: choose a tag from one of the giving trees at Parkgate with the age of the child you want to buy for, purchase your gift, then drop it off unwrapped at any of the stores at Parkgate.

There are also other collection points across the borough, from local businesses and schools to libraries and community health centres, so look out for the Rotherham Toy Appeal signage when you’re out and about.

From dolls and action figures to games, puzzles, art supplies, and teen treats, whether it’s one toy or ten, your generosity will help bring smiles, hope, and a sense of magic to families who are struggling this Christmas.

The Christmas Toy Appeal receives requests from professionals working closely with families so they can identify those most in need. Each child tells ‘Santa’ what they would like for Christmas and the Rotherham Families First elves then ‘go shopping’ from the donations to choose a toys or gift based on their wishlist.

None of the children know their gifts have come from the appeal; the charity asks for items to be unwrapped so that the families can wrap them for their children, helping retain their dignity and self-worth.

Last year, the generosity of the public meant the Rotherham Families First could give out gifts to over 2,000 children aged 0 to 18. For many, these gifts were the only ones under the tree.

So this festive season, consider picking up an extra gift while you’re out Christmas shopping. Or find out how your school, business, or organisation can get involved on their website www.rotherhamfamiliesfirst.org.uk