A County Durham charity has launched its 2026 Toy Appeal, urging the community to “make a child’s Christmas”.
The Bishop Auckland-based Angel Trust is running its Toy Appeal for the eighth year, giving thousands of gifts to local children who might otherwise go without at Christmas.
In 2025, the trust donated more than 18,000 toys and gifts to children and young adults aged 0 to 24.
Donations range from large bundles sent to local hospitals, care settings and schools to one-off gifts for parents who need a helping hand.
More local families are asking for help, with more than 400 applications received within 24 hours of the 2025 appeal opening.
The charity says the cost-of-living crisis has pushed many families into poverty, leaving thousands choosing between food and Christmas gifts.
The trust offers immediate help through the gifts and longer-term support through its in-house Navigator service.
Angel Trust Navigators are trained to Level 3 in adult social care and offer advice and practical help with debt, food banks, mental health and other problems.
Navigators assess every Toy Appeal application and offer further support where needed.
How can people support?
The Angel Trust is urging local people and businesses to support the appeal and make Christmas special for children.
Gift tags, often handwritten by the children themselves, are available from the trust’s Bishop Auckland sites, including the Beehive and Emporium.
Some tags can be difficult to read. One in 2025 asked for “food for his pet dog” rather than anything for himself.
Local businesses can support the appeal with large donations, which the Angel Trust team can collect across County Durham.
When does the Appeal Start and End?
The 2026 appeal launches on Monday, October 19, and closes on Friday, December 11. Toys and gifts can be donated during that period.
What donations are required?
Clair McGregor, chief executive of Angel Trust, said: “Our Toy Appeal is always a massive success, and we are deeply grateful to local businesses and individuals for their ongoing support.
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"We often see that the older children are forgotten, so we are especially requesting donations of gift sets such as pamper kits and personal hygiene boxes.
"We really need everyone to get behind us this year, help us to smash our 2025 record and see thousands of happy children on Christmas morning!”
For more information about the Toy Appeal or to find out how to help, email marketing@angeltrust.co.uk.