Rochdale Borough Council’s staff-run charity 'Number One Riverside Giving Back' is now collecting donations for 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 2026.
The annual appeal, organised by council staff for the past thirteen years, is accepting donations at local libraries or Your Trust leisure centres until Friday, 11 December 2026.
Council policy advisor Helen Walton, from the Giving Back charity said:
“Christmas should be a magical time for every child, but for many families the financial pressures they face mean that even a small gift can feel impossible to afford. We’re already seeing requests for help, and that’s why every donation matters. Knowing there’s something to unwrap on Christmas morning will mean the world to a child. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued kindness of our communities, whose support helps bring joy and hope to families when they need it most.”
Parents, pupils and staff at Holy Trinity CE School in Littleborough collected gifts for the appeal last year, received by organiser Helen Walton.
‘Every donation matters’
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, 11 December 2026. There are also lots more collection points across the borough, including Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure destination (management office on first floor), The Trade Centre UK at Sandbrook Park, Rochdale and The Old Police Station in Heywood.
Council volunteers, who distributed a record 10,000 toys last year to around 3,000 children 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.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“No child should feel left out at Christmas, and this appeal helps ensure that thousands of children across our borough can experience the excitement and joy that every young person deserves. Behind every donated gift is a simple act of kindness that can have a lasting impact on a child and their family. I’m incredibly proud of the compassion shown by our communities every year, and I encourage anyone who can help to get involved. Together, we can make this Christmas a little brighter for those who need it most.”
As Christmas raises awareness of excess and waste, 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, 11 December 2026.
One extra gift can make all the difference. Businesses and other organisations supporting the appeal this year include The Trade Centre UK in Rochdale.
The appeal is organised by the Number One Riverside Giving Back CIO (1215663) ‘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, Schofield and Sons, Rochdale Football Club, Rochdale Riverside and The Trade Centre UK.
- Find the full list of over 40 drop off points and other ways to donate
- If your business can support the appeal this year, then please email the team on toycollection@rochdale.gov.uk