Christmas ToyLink
Supporting families struggling to make ends meet
Every gift matters
Each Christmas Birmingham City Mission distributes gifts to thousands of children whose families really struggle to make ends meet.
It is a mammoth task that relies on the generosity of many people who give toys, energy and time to ensure each child referred to us receives a sack of gifts on Christmas morning.
The ToyLink project
Each year churches, schools, companies and individuals donate thousands of toys, books and puzzles to our ToyLink project. Families in need of help are referred by Social Services, shelters, churches and other agencies. Through November and December hundreds of volunteers carefully select and wrap four gifts for each child and put them in a sack with a Christmas story booklet and card ready for delivery.
Delivering the sacks around Birmingham is another colossal task, requiring complex route planning and a second army of staff and volunteers.
ToyLink delivery drivers: please click here for your delivery information
We need many volunteers to help prepare, sort, wrap and deliver toys. If you have some time to spare in November and December call 0121 766 6603 or email office@birminghamcitymission.co.uk
THE REFERRALS FORM IS NOW CLOSED FOR TOYLINK 2023
Give a gift
Please help by buying a NEW (not second hand) gift for a child or organise a toy collection with your friends, colleagues or group you attend. Bring your gifts to Birmingham City Mission at The Clock Tower, 2 Langdon Street, Birmingham B9 4BP (open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm). We can pick up large collections - just call 0121 766 6603.
Or do it all online. Choose a gift from an online store and have it delivered straight to the address above.
Our ToyLink 23 Amazon Wishlist includes many items needed and is regularly updated.
The children are aged between 0 and 15 years old. New toys, books, games and puzzles are needed. Please do not wrap your gift so we can match the gift to the child.
You can make a financial donation to the ToyLink project at BCM’s ToyLink giving page.
1,500
families
3,750
children
16,000
gifts
Can you help by donating a gift for a child aged 0-15 years? BCM's ToyLink gift list may give you a few ideas of what to buy.
Please note we cannot give the children toy guns, home-made toys, chocolate or sweets.
Thank you for your support.
Gift list
Babies 0-18 months
Hand-held toys, feeding dishes and spoons, building cups, small soft toys (from birth), stacking and teething rings. Toys to shake, touch and feel.
Toddlers under 3 years
Stacking rings, wooden jigsaws, small pull-along toys, shape sorters, character plates, dishes, mugs.
Boys and girls 4-7 years
Games, books, cars, trucks, dolls, jewellery etc
Boys and girls aged 8-10 years
Games, hats, gloves, suitable toiletries, books, annuals (dated for the coming year)
Teenage boys aged 10-15 years
Footballs, football pumps, football books (not for a specific team), rucksacks, socks, gloves, hats, games, dartboards (not metal darts), toiletries. No jigsaws please.
Teenage girls aged 10-15 years
Toiletry sets, scarves, gloves, hats, socks, bags (suitable for teenagers), make-up, nail polish, jewellery (no earrings for pierced ears), jewellery boxes, games, annuals (dated for the coming year). No jigsaws please.
Get in touch
Call 0121 766 6603 or email office@birminghamcitymission.co.uk
