Residents encouraged to donate pre-loved toys in run-up to Christmas

Date: 09 Nov 2022

Belfast councillors have agreed to trial a pre-loved toys scheme in the run-up to Christmas to help ease the financial burden on families and cut down on the amount of quality toys that are sent to landfill.

At this week’s meeting of Belfast City Council’s People and Community Committee, councillors approved the scheme which will allow residents to drop off pre-loved toys at their local recycling centre.

Council has partnered with the Restore shops (Newtownards Road and Park Centre), Vincent’s (Antrim Road) and Save the Children (Botanic Avenue) to deliver the project in the lead up to Christmas.

Any pre-loved toys collected will either be sold at an affordable price at one of the four charity outlets or will be gifted to those most in need in the community.

Councillor Ross McMullan, Chair of the People and Communities Committee, said: “Christmas can be a very challenging time for families; it’s a very expensive time of year, and this year in particular we are all acutely aware of the cost of living crisis and the added pressure that brings.

“I’m delighted that we are able to deliver this scheme, and I’m confident that the people of Belfast will support it if they can. Christmas is about community, and this scheme is a great example of community spirit in action.

“It also has the added bonus of reducing the amount of quality toys that are sent to landfill each year, which is a key consideration in supporting our local circular economy.”

A wide range of items can be donated at any of the council’s four recycling centres, including bikes, scooters, dolls, prams, jigsaws, board games, books and DVDs.

Donated toys and items, suitable for children of all ages, must be clean, complete, working and in good condition.

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