This year’s Reuse Santa appeal is starting a bit earlier at the county’s household waste recycling centres so that all the donated toys can be distributed in good time for Christmas.

The appeal is a charitable campaign to support young people across North Yorkshire who are most in need this Christmas. We need your help to collect used toys, games, books and puzzles for young people who might otherwise not receive a gift.

Not only will this help to make Christmas easier for many families, it will also support the environment by encouraging a “reduce, re-use, recycle” attitude.

This year’s campaign begins later this month, so you have a little time to dig out donations. Please take your donations to any of our household waste recycling centres between November 16 and November 30.

• Please Make sure your toys, books or games are clean, complete and fit for purpose.
• Next time you’re taking your waste to a household waste recycling centre, simply take your pre-loved gifts along, too, and let the staff know you wish to donate.
• Yorwaste, who manage the centres for us, will then distribute the donations to our charity partners who will send them to children and young people in need, with any additional gifts being sent to charity shops.

Please consider the age range from birth to 16 years old and make sure your donations are in the best possible condition for their new owners, with no missing parts and in full working order.

Thank you.