Harrogate district residents are being urged to donate toys and games at household waste recycling centres in the run up to Christmas.
The aim is to collect 10 tonnes of items, which will be passed on to young people, aged up to 16, who are experiencing hardship this Christmas.
The Re-use Santa Appeal is working with No Wrong Door, which supports young people in or on the edge of the care system at centres in Harrogate and Scarborough, on the initiative.
No Wrong Door replaces traditional council-run young people’s homes with hubs that combine residential care with fostering.
Staff at the county’s recycling centres, which are operated by Yorwaste on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council, will ensure donations are in good working condition before they are delivered to children.
The gifts will be given as part of a Christmas family bag to families in North Yorkshire and York. Surplus items will be distributed to other charities.
There are three recycling centres in the Harrogate district: on Wetherby Road and Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate and on Dallamires Crescent in Ripon. Drop-off points are located by the containers for household reusable items. Donations will be accepted until December 15.
The sites are also taking donations of new or part-used Christmas wrapping paper and tape as part of the appeal.
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County Councillor Derek Bastiman, executive member for waste management at North Yorkshire County Council, said:
“Christmas is a time of good will. So we’re asking families who can to add a little light to the festive season this year for many children who are less fortunate.
“I encourage people to check their cupboards for any unwanted toys and games and to donate them in the confidence that their items will go to a good home.”
Last Christmas, people donated more than 2,000 games, toys, puzzles and books, including air hockey tables, dolls’ houses, Nerf guns, bicycles and giant teddy bears.
Cllr Paula Widdowson, executive member for environment and climate change at City of York Council, added:
“It’s critical the donations are clean, well-cared for and in full working order. Thank you once again to everyone who supports this appeal.”
