Stanlaw Abbey Christmas Toy Appeal
Each year Stanlaw Abbey organise a Christmas Toy Appeal to support vulnerable and low-income families within Ellesmere Port. Working with family intervention workers, social workers, disability team, schools and woman’s refuge, our appeal is provided with a list of families who need help to ensure that their children receive a gift at Christmas.
Children of all ages, up to 18 years-old are included in this appeal.
Since 2014 we have had over 30,000 presents donated by the public helping to provide presents to children who may otherwise not have received one at Christmas.
An overview of The Toy Appeal
In 2025, we are excited to announce that the Stanlaw Abbey Christmas Toy Appeal will be bigger and better than ever! With the ongoing rise in the cost of living, we are confident that the support from our community will once again exceed our expectations. This year, we anticipate that around a thousand children and young people from Ellesmere Port will receive gifts.
We will implement some exciting changes to enhance the Toy Appeal this year. While we typically host wrap events, we will streamline our process by collaborating closely with our charity partners, who will manage the fulfilment process to ensure efficiency. This adjustment will allow us to focus on properly sorting and delivering all gifts to families in need. By working with other local charities doing the same thing, we will be able to eliminate duplication and ensure that gifts reach those who need them most.
The referring agencies have shared how much of a difference this will make for the families they refer.
As a small charity, we will not achieve this without the incredible help and support of the local community. Together, we will alleviate some of the pressures faced by families during this challenging time. On behalf of the Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who will benefit from the 2025 Christmas Toy Appeal, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your kindness and generosity.
Support to date
Previous Appeals
Thanks to the kindness and dedication of our amazing supporters, we were able to make the Christmas 2024 Toy Appeal our most impactful yet. The community’s contributions helped us achieve so much!
Right here in Ellesmere Port and Neston, we supported 860 children and 538 adults, distributing a remarkable 8,790 items! Through collaboration with charity partners and the fulfilment efforts of KidsBank, the campaign supported 1,812 children and 1,092 adults, distributing an astounding 18,052 items. For the first time, we extended our support to parents, providing each with a meaningful gift in recognition of their dedication to their families.
This year, the incredible generosity, combined with the support of our fabulous charity partners, enabled us to go beyond toys and bring festive cheer to even more people in need!
We are truly grateful for your support and generosity, which has created unforgettable memories for so many. Together, we’ve proven the power of community spirit and the difference we can make when we come together!
In 2023, despite the ongoing increase in the cost of living, we were excited to see the incredible generosity of our community, which allowed us to achieve our goals. We are proud to share that 1,260 children and young people from Ellesmere Port received 3 gifts each and a selection box this year.
The referring agencies have expressed how much of a difference this support will make for the families they referred. We accepted referrals all the way up to Christmas, not declining a single one during this busy period.
As a small charity, we could not accomplish this without the tremendous help and support from our local community. Together, we alleviated some of the pressures faced by families during this challenging time. On behalf of the Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the 2023 Christmas Toy Appeal, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your kindness and generosity.
As you will be aware, 2022 brought new pressures and challenges to everyone as the cost of living soared. This year we were slightly concerned that we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we had in previous years. We are very please to share with you that this was far from the case. This year 1,160 children and young people from Ellesmere Port all received at least 4 gifts and a selection box. This means that over 4,600 wrapped presents made their way to local recipients in time for Christmas Day.
The referring agencies expressed what a difference this was going to make to the families they had referred. Unlike similar appeals, we do not close for referrals. The week leading up to Christmas saw increased emergency referrals, and we are pleased to say that no request for support was turned away.
As a small charity ourselves, we couldn’t achieve what we do without the help and support of the local community. Together we were able to bring some happiness to the families and children we supported. On behalf of the Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the 2022 Christmas Toy Appeal, may we again thank you for your kindness.
The 2021 Appeal was a great success.
Following the increased demand of our 2020 appeal we knew that 2021 would be no different as the world continued to battle Covid-19, along with the increase in cost of living for families.
The campaign has continued to grow which this year saw the appeal support 1,112 children, over 488 families. We continued with the smaller wrapping events which were vital in order to wrap more than 3300 gifts. We were also lucky to have our Donation Boxes in 9 locations around Ellesmere Port along with 7 local schools also supporting the appeal.
As a small charity ourselves we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have without the help and support of the local community. On behalf of Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the Christmas Toy Appeal 2021, thank you to all involved for your kindness, help and support.
We look forward to seeing existing and new supporters for the 2022 appeal however if you wish to make contact throughout the year please use our dedicated email address toyappeal@stanlawabbey or call Gail/Laura on 0151 356 5896.
Also don’t forget to Like and follow our Facebook page.
The events of 2020 saw our figures more than double, no referral was turned away. This meant that 707 children all woke up on Christmas Day with at least 3 gifts to open.
There were some changes made to the appeal in 2020 with the introduction of a new Facebook page and the facility to purchase gifts through an Amazon Wishlist. Due to Covid-19 we had to adapt how we operated, everything was carried out under current guidelines and recommendations. This sadly meant that we didn’t hold our usual wrap event, however no gift went out unwrapped thanks to the amazing volunteers who sat by themselves or as a family unit to wrap each gift.
As a small charity ourselves we wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we did without the help and support of the local community. On behalf of Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust and the families who benefitted from the Christmas Toy Appeal 2020, thank you to all involved for your kindness, help and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get involved?
Individuals and businesses are welcome to get involved and we appreciate every donation that we receive.
We have posters available for businesses wishing to promote the appeal in their workspace. Businesses can even receive a Donation Box to become a drop off point for the local community.
Individuals are welcome to donate new toys or cash donations throughout the year.
What happens to my donation?
We guarantee that all toys donated will benefit children and families in need in the community of Ellesmere Port and surrounding areas. We work closely with registered and authorised charity partners, as well as the Local Authority, schools, and local charities, to ensure that toys reach children in need.
All toys donated to the appeal will be collected and distributed in time for the big day. As a fully audited charity, we are committed to ensuring that gifts are distributed fairly.
Do Toys need to be new?
Yes. Toys need to be in new condition with packaging.
What can/can't be donated?
This year, we are using the KidsBank Toy Appeal Wish List as our fulfilment partner. This will allow you to purchase items directly from the list, which will be delivered to their Ellesmere Port depot. We understand that some people may be limiting trips to the shops, so this provides a convenient way to support the appeal.
For those who wish to choose their own gift, we ask for the following as a guideline:
- 0-3 years: dolls, teddy bears, bath toys, nursery rhymes books, puzzles, sensory gifts.
- 3-5: dolls and action figures, vehicles, colouring sets, books, puzzles, construction sets, dress up clothes, Play-Doh
- 5-9: educational games and toys, remote controlled toys, board games, footballs and goalie gloves, stationery, books, Lego, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats.
- 9-12: games and toys, remote controlled toys, stationery, books, craft kits, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats, rucksacks
- 13-17: books, make-up and toiletries, gloves, scarves, hats, headphones, speakers, hair accessories, footballs and goalie gloves.
**Please note we are unable to accept any toy weapons (guns, swords, knives, etc), CDs, or DVDs.**
I dont know what to buy, do you accept cash donations?
Yes, we happily accept cash donations. At the sorting and wrapping stage there is always a shortfall of gifts for at least one age range. Cash donations helps us to ensure that gifts can be purchased for every child.
Can I donate food items?
We currently accept selection boxes as a donation but sadly not donations of food.
Can I speak to someone about the appeal?
Of course. We are passionate about the appeal so please feel free to get in touch. Please email toyappeal@stanlawabbey.com or call 0151 356 5896.
Where can I drop off my donation?
We take donations throughout the year. Donations can be dropped off at Stanlaw Abbey Business Centre reception between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Each year we have a number of donation points around Ellesmere Port and announce these on our social media during the Appeal.
We will accept gifts at the Stanlaw Abbey Business Centre reception until December 12th, between 9am and 5pm (Main Office), Monday to Friday. Additionally, we have set up our usual donation points around Ellesmere Port, click the link to find your closest drop-off point (donation boxes).
Additional Questions
Will the Toy Appeal still focus on Ellesmere Port, including our donations?
A:
Yes — absolutely.
The Stanlaw Abbey Christmas Toy Appeal continues to focus primarily on supporting children and families in Ellesmere Port, as it has for the past 11 years.
All donations received through this campaign will be used to support local families. Gifts will be sorted, organised, and distributed directly to those in Ellesmere Port and the surrounding areas through our coordinated partnership with KidsBank, ensuring the process is efficient and reaches those who need it most.
While some of our charity partners work across wider regions, the heart of the appeal remains Ellesmere Port — and every donation made to this appeal stays within our community.
Will there be wrap events this year?
A: This year, we are adjusting our approach and will not be hosting the traditional wrap events. Our charity partners will help us to manage the fulfilment process to ensure efficiency. Although the wrap events are not taking place, we will continue to focus on ensuring all gifts are properly sorted and delivered to families in the local area.
How will the other partners help?
This year, we are proud to be working exclusively with KidsBank as our primary charity partner for the Stanlaw Abbey Christmas Toy Appeal.
KidsBank will support the appeal by:
Managing all gift referrals from schools, professionals, and local organisations
Coordinating fulfilment and logistics, ensuring gifts are sorted efficiently
Distributing gifts directly to children and families in Ellesmere Port and the surrounding areas
Providing additional volunteer and operational support throughout the campaign
By focusing on one lead partner, we can run the appeal more efficiently, reduce duplication, and make sure that every donation goes exactly where it is needed most — supporting local families across Ellesmere Port.
How can I get involved in the Toy Appeal?
A: There are many ways to get involved in supporting our community this holiday season:
- Donating toys: This is a crucial part of the appeal! We will accept gifts at the Stanlaw Abbey Business Centre reception until December 12th, between 9am and 4.30pm (Main Office), Monday to Friday. Additionally, we have set up our usual donation points around Ellesmere Port, click the link to find your closest drop-off point (donation boxes).
- Supporting our efforts: We welcome contributions from organisations and individuals who wish to help us provide for families in need. Your support will help us purchase toys and essentials.
- Volunteering: We’ll be looking for volunteers to assist our charity partners with fulfilment and other activities as needed.
- Spreading the word: Sharing our posts on social media or telling others helps raise awareness and ensures we reach more families in need.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact in Ellesmere Port this Christmas!
Will there be any changes to how families can apply for assistance?
A: We are working closely with our charity partners to streamline the application process. We will take referrals from our usual professional services, including family intervention workers, social workers, the disability team, schools, and women’s refuges. This collaboration allows us to receive a comprehensive list of families in need, ensuring that their children receive gifts at Christmas.
How will you ensure that donations are distributed fairly?
A:
We are committed to making sure that every donation is distributed fairly and responsibly to families who genuinely need support.
All referrals come from professional services, the local authority, local schools and are handled by fully registered charities. This ensures that every request is verified, consistent, and based on genuine need.
Working closely with KidsBank under one coordinated system allows us to:
Apply clear and consistent guidelines for referrals
Avoid duplication (preventing multiple organisations referring the same family)
Ensure gifts are allocated equitably across Ellesmere Port
Prioritise households experiencing the greatest hardship
By keeping the process tightly managed and professionally referred, we can guarantee that donations are distributed fairly and reach the children and families who need them most.
Can businesses or groups organise their own toy drives to support the appeal?
A: Absolutely! We encourage businesses and community groups to organise their own toy drives. Please reach out to us for guidance on how to coordinate your efforts effectively. For more info please email toyappeal@stanlawabbey.com
How can we stay updated on the Toy Appeal and related events?
A:
You can stay updated by following our official social media channels, where we’ll be sharing announcements, donation box locations, most-needed items, volunteer updates, and all Toy Appeal news throughout the campaign.
📘 Facebook (Toy Appeal Page):
https://www.facebook.com/StanlawAbbeyToyAppeal/
💼 LinkedIn (Stanlaw Abbey Development Trust):
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stanlaw-abbey-development-trust/
These platforms will be the best place to follow along, get involved, and keep up with everything happening across the town during this year’s Toy Appeal.