Youngsters are set to benefit this Christmas in the Southampton Toy Appeal.

The annual drive for toy donations was launched by Southampton City Council in Westquay on Friday.

Council leader Lorna Fielker, along with the cabinet member for children and learning, Cllr Alexander Winning, and social work manager Colin McPherson were all on hand to launch the scheme.

The 36th annual toy appeal sees businesses and members of the public donate toys for children under the care of the council at a selection of drop-off points across the city.

Each year this ensures as many children as possible have a present to open on Christmas Day.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Fielker said: “We’re in a cost-of-living crisis and that does mean there are more and more children who aren’t getting gifts at Christmas.

“It makes a massive difference that people are able to support them, there’s nothing worse than waking up on Christmas day, knowing others are getting stuff and you’re not.

“I’d like to thank every business, local community group, charity and resident for their generosity, time and commitment to the Southampton Toy Appeal.

"We are lucky that over 70 organisations have once again pledged their support.”

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Those wanting to take part in the appeal can pick up a name tag of a child's name, age, and gender at Westquay level three - next to Auntie Anne's - where gifts can also be added to a collection box, before they are wrapped and distributed in time for Christmas.

Speaking to the Echo, Cllr Winning added: “It’s the 36th year of the toy appeal, it’s centred around raising toys for children in the care of Southampton City Council up to the age of 18.

“It’s a whole range of gifts, not just toys, on the council website there’s a long list of appropriate gifts, it’s all about supporting children in our care and that they have a Christmas like any other child does.

“Times are tough for people but there’s a lot of love in Southampton with many kind people and businesses who donate to the toy appeal every year and we need that to continue to ensure children can have the best possible Christmas.

“It’s not all about toys but it is about memories and if someone can wake up on Christmas morning with a present, it’s something they will always remember.”

Drop off points can be found at various locations around the city including:

  • Westquay Level Three, next to Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Any day (9am-8pm)

  • Civic Centre reception desk: Mon-Fri (9.30am-5pm)

  • Libraries: Central, Shirley, Lordshill, Thornhill, Bitterne and Portswood Mon-Sat (10am-4pm)

  • Tudor House and Gardens: Mon-Thurs (10am-3pm) and Sat-Sun (10am-5pm)

  • Southampton City Art Gallery: Mon-Fri (10am-3pm) and Sat (10am-5pm)

  • SeaCity Museum: Any day (10am-5pm)

  • MAST Mayflower Studios: Any day (10am-5pm)

  • Elite Garage, Northam Road: Mon-Fri (9am – 4pm), Saturday (9am – 12pm)