British Heart Foundation

15/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 15/11/2024 00:26

Call for pre-Christmas donations to cope with bumper demand

Toys, board games and puzzles are in higher demand than ever, according to our latest figures.

  • - Since 2021, we have taken over £2 million in the sale of toys at Christmas
  • - Since 2021, Christmas jigsaw sales have risen by 92 per cent, board games by 34%
  • - Last Christmas, demand for soft toys rose by 22 per cent on the year before.

We have seen Christmas toy sales increase by 15% in the last three years bringing in £2million for our vital heart research.

Last Christmas demand for board games rose by 34 per cent on the year before, and jigsaw sales have risen by 92 per cent since 2021.

As we prepare for another festive season of bumper demand for toys, we are calling on people to have a pre-Christmas clear out and donate toys and games they no longer use so they can become another child's treasure this Christmas.

This comes as DreamToys unveiled the list of the top 20 toys for Christmas.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, our Retail Director said, "We have seen increasing demand for toys over the last three years and we're expecting the same this year. The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on and families need preloved toys this Christmas. We are calling for generous donations to help us keep our shelves stocked for those who need them.

"Whether it's a board game that no longer gets played, a puzzle you've done one too many times or a doll your child has outgrown - we are seeking quality, clean toys that are ready to resell. As well as bringing joy to those that need affordable gifts, they will help fund lifesaving research which will keep families together for Christmases to come."

Donating to us is easy. Simply drop your toys off at any of our 680 shops or you can post them using our free downloadable label, available from our website.

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