Rochdale Borough Council’s staff-run Number One Riverside Giving Back charity is now collecting donations to this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal.
The appeal helps make sure local children who are living in poverty have presents to open on 25 December 2025.
The annual appeal, organised by council staff for the past twelve years, is accepting donations at local libraries or Your Trust leisure centres until Friday, 12 December 2025.
Council policy advisor Helen Walton, from the Giving Back charity who started the appeal and was awarded a British Empire Medal for her work on it, said:
“We’re already seeing requests for help, and for many families this winter, Christmas is something they simply can’t afford. Every single donation ensures a child has a gift to unwrap – something that might not happen otherwise. We rely on the incredible generosity of local people and businesses, and together we can make a real difference for the borough’s most vulnerable children.”
Helen Walton from the Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal (left), with colleagues and donations collected during last year’s festive appeal.
‘The magic of Christmas’
To help, all you need to do is donate an unwrapped, new gift suitable for a child up to 16 years-old and leave it at your local library or Your Trust leisure centre by Friday, 12 December 2025. Gifts for babies and teenagers would be especially welcome as fewer were received for these age groups last year. There are also extra collection points across the borough at the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure destination (management office on first floor), The Trade Centre UK at Sandbrook Park and The Hornet on Helmsman Lane, Rochdale.
Council volunteers, who distributed a record 7,000 toys last year, will make sure they reach children in time for Christmas Day. Since 2013 the appeal has provided much needed festive cheer for thousands of children and teenagers.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“Sadly this appeal is needed more than ever, but each year I’m truly moved by the generosity and spirit in our community. No child should wake up without a gift on Christmas morning, so by buying just one extra present, you can bring a little magic and joy to a local child’s life. Every donation reminds them they are cared for and that the magic of Christmas is real. Even in tough times, Rochdale rolls up its sleeves and pulls together to make a difference, and the kindness I see is overwhelming. To everyone who donates and to our amazing volunteers, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will be helping spread love, hope and happiness across our borough this Christmas.”
The appeal helps make sure local children who are living in poverty have presents to open on Christmas Day.
As Christmas raises awareness of the excess and waste created, once again organisers are encouraging people to shop locally and, where possible, choose sustainable gifts – but above all, every donation, big or small, is really appreciated.
You can also order a gift online and send it straight to the appeal. The address is:
Giving Back – Christmas Toy Appeal
Rochdale Borough Council
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale OL16 1XU
Gifts will need to have been received by Friday, 12 December 2025.
The appeal is organised by the ‘Rochdale Giving Back’ charity in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Football Club and Your Trust.
Some local businesses and organisations have already stepped up to support the appeal, including STM Agency, Hunter Price, Rochdale Football Club, Rochdale Riverside and The Trade Centre UK.