Where to Donate Toys in West Sussex This Christmas
Every Christmas, thousands of families across West Sussex struggle to give their children the kind of morning they deserve. For parents already stretched thin by the cost of living, buying presents can feel impossible. That's where local charities like Christmas Wishes step in — and where you can make a real difference with a single toy donation.
If you're searching for where to donate toys in West Sussex this Christmas, you've come to the right place.
About Christmas Wishes
Christmas Wishes is a volunteer-run toy appeal charity based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. Founded in 2013 by four local women who wanted to ensure no child in their community went without a gift at Christmas, the charity has grown steadily over 13 years.
Today, Christmas Wishes delivers gifts to over 300 families every year across Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and Hurstpierpoint. That's more than 8,000 gifts since the charity began — all collected, sorted, wrapped, and hand-delivered by local volunteers.
There are no paid staff. No admin fees. Every single toy donated goes directly to a local child.
The Giving Tree: West Sussex's Most Festive Donation Point
The centrepiece of the Christmas Wishes appeal is the Giving Tree — a 10-foot Christmas tree at 197 Maple Drive, Burgess Hill, where community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys throughout the appeal season.
The Giving Tree is up now, and we're collecting until Friday 18 December 2026. If you're local to Burgess Hill or passing through, it's one of the easiest and most direct ways to donate. You'll see the tree — you really can't miss it.
What to Bring
- Any new, unwrapped toy for a child aged 0–16
- Books, games, craft kits, soft toys, puzzles — all welcome
- No second-hand or used items, please
- No minimum spend required
The charity accepts gifts for children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. If you're not sure what to buy, the Christmas Wishes website has a gift guide broken down by age group.
Can't Make It In Person? Shop the Amazon Wish List
Not everyone can get to Burgess Hill in person — and Christmas Wishes has made it easy to donate from anywhere in the UK. The charity maintains an Amazon Wish List of age-appropriate toys that can be purchased online and delivered directly to the charity.
This means you can donate from your sofa, in your lunch break, or from anywhere in the country. Items arrive ready to be sorted and wrapped, with no extra effort on your part.
Visit christmas-wishes.uk/lp/toy-appeal-2026 to find the Amazon Wish List link and learn more about how to donate.
Why Toy Donations Matter in West Sussex
It's easy to assume that toy poverty is a problem confined to big cities. But families in need exist in every community — including in the towns and villages of Mid Sussex.
Many of the families Christmas Wishes supports are referred by local support services: food banks, social workers, and community organisations who know which households are struggling most. These are real families in your neighbourhood, and the gifts they receive through Christmas Wishes are often the only presents their children will open on Christmas morning.
A single toy — a £5 book, a £10 puzzle, a £15 craft kit — can transform a child's Christmas Day.
Other Ways to Support Christmas Wishes
Toy donations are the heart of the appeal, but there are other ways to get involved too:
Every bit of support helps the charity reach more families each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to donate toys?
Donations need to reach us by Friday 18 December. This gives the team time to sort, wrap, and deliver all gifts before Christmas.
Do toys need to be wrapped?
No — please donate toys unwrapped. The Christmas Wishes team wraps all gifts themselves so they can be labelled appropriately for each child's age and interests.
Which areas does Christmas Wishes serve?
The charity focuses on Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and Hurstpierpoint in West Sussex.
Can businesses or schools donate?
Absolutely. Christmas Wishes welcomes donations from workplaces, schools, and community groups. A collection box or team appeal is a great way to get colleagues involved.
Donate This Christmas
If you're looking for where to donate toys in West Sussex, Christmas Wishes is one of the most direct and impactful options available. Your donation stays local, goes to a child who genuinely needs it, and is delivered by volunteers who care deeply about their community.
The 2026 appeal is open now. Drop off a toy at the Giving Tree on 197 Maple Drive, Burgess Hill, or shop the Amazon Wish List from home.