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Christmas toy appeal launches to help families across Harrogate

Thursday, 12 November 2026 at 12:25

Donations can be made at household waste recycling centres across North Yorkshire and York from 15th to 29th November.

A Christmas appeal encouraging people to donate pre-loved toys to families in need has launched across North Yorkshire.

The Reuse Santa campaign is returning for its eighth year, giving clean, complete and working toys, games, books and puzzles a second life.

Residents in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding areas are being encouraged to donate unwanted toys at their local household waste recycling centres between 15th and 29th November.

The initiative is run by Yorwaste in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, City of York Council and local charity and community organisations.

Last year, more than 5,000 toys were donated and redistributed to families, the equivalent of around 80 giant Santa sacks.

North Yorkshire Council’s 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 a range of organisations, including North Yorkshire Council’s Early Help service, community groups and local charities.

Some items may also be passed on to charity shops.

Organisers are asking residents to ensure all donated toys are clean, complete and in good working condition.

Donations can be made at household waste recycling centres across North Yorkshire and York from 15th to 29th November.

Details of recycling centres across North Yorkshire and York can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/hwrc and www.york.gov.uk/WasteAndRecycling

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