As the holiday season approaches, residents across North Yorkshire are joining forces for the annual Re-Use Santa appeal, a heartening initiative led by Yorwaste in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council. The campaign, currently in progress at household waste recycling centers across the region, aims to bring joy to less privileged children during the festive period.
In partnership with North Yorkshire Council’s No Wrong Door and Early Help projects, City of York Good Place Network, the Snappy Trust, Colburn Community Hub and Foodshare, the Daisy Chain Project, and the British Heart Foundation, the Re-Use Santa campaign will be accepting donations of unwanted or unused toys and games until December 3.
Last year’s campaign reached a significant milestone, with a record-breaking 3,000 items, equivalent to 20 van-loads, donated to ensure children and teenagers in challenging circumstances received a Christmas gift.
Recognizing the financial strains faced by families, a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council emphasized, “The holiday season should be a time of joy, but for some, it leads to increased stress and anxiety as they worry about providing for their children. The Re-Use Santa campaign is a way of offering support, ensuring that children wake up on Christmas morning with a smile. The campaign also benefits the environment by reducing potential waste, and we encourage everyone to get involved.”
The Re-Use Santa campaign welcomes a diverse range of items, from action figures and dolls to games and puzzles suitable for children up to 16 years old. Donors are reminded to ensure that their contributions are in good condition and safe for use.
Campaign organizers highlighted the economic challenges faced by many families this Christmas, stating, “This year has seen rising costs, and once again, many families are experiencing economic hardship. The Re-Use Santa campaign can help alleviate some of that pressure by regifting pre-loved, clean, and well-cared-for toys to children in the hardest-hit households. As in previous years, any excess toys received will be placed with local charity partners, generating funds for good causes.”
Expressing support for the Re-Use Santa appeal, executive members for environment and climate emergency at City of York Council encouraged everyone to participate by passing on their best-but-no-longer-used toys and games. They stressed the positive impact it can have on brightening the holiday season for children in need.
It is important to note that toys powered by mains electricity cannot be accepted as part of the campaign. Site operatives at the recycling centers are available to receive donations and provide guidance on recycling or disposing of items that are unsuitable.
Campaign organizers urged residents to reconsider their approach to unused items, stating, “As a society, we are continually encouraged to acquire the latest gadgets and gizmos, leaving many things that could be of use to others to gather dust. Instead of relegating them to the back of a cupboard or discarding them, consider giving them a new life and bringing a smile to a child’s face this Christmas.”
As the Re-Use Santa campaign unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder that collective community efforts can make a significant difference, not only in spreading joy during the holiday season but also in fostering a spirit of generosity and support for those facing challenges in the community.
