Thousands of children could benefit this Christmas as residents across North Yorkshire and York are encouraged to donate quality pre-loved toys.
The Reuse Santa appeal gives clean, complete and working toys, games, books and puzzles a second life by donating them to families who need them the most.
In its eighth year, the appeal is run by Yorwaste in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, City of York Council and local charity and community partners.
Donations will be accepted from November 15 to 29 at all household waste recycling centres in York and North Yorkshire.
Last year, more than 5,000 toys, the equivalent of around 80 giant Santa sacks, were redistributed.
Executive member for waste services, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “The Reuse Santa campaign does a fantastic job of encouraging people to donate their pre-loved toys rather than throwing them out.
“The donations help to support children, young people and families while keeping usable items in circulation.
“Christmas can be a time when finances are tight, so the aim of the scheme is to relieve some of the burden.
“All we ask is that the gifts are in a condition that you would like to receive, and please remember that we can’t accept toys powered by mains electricity.”
Donations will be collected and distributed through partners including North Yorkshire Council’s Early Help service, community groups within the City of York Good Place Network, Colburn Community Hub, the British Heart Foundation, the Daisy Chain Project and The Recycle Project CIC. Some items may be passed to charity shops.
Cllr Jenny Kent, City of York Council's executive member for environment and climate emergency, said: "Reuse Santa is a wonderful example of how a simple act of generosity can make a real difference to families across York and North Yorkshire.
“By donating good quality toys, books and games that are no longer needed, we can all help bring joy to local children while reducing waste and giving items a second life.
"We know that Christmas can be an expensive time for many families, and this scheme helps support those who may be struggling while encouraging a more sustainable approach to sharing and reusing.
“I encourage anyone with clean, complete and working toys to consider donating them and help to make Christmas special for a local child.”
See details of recycling centres across North Yorkshire and details of recycling centres across York.