No Child Should Miss Out this Christmas - River Kids Toy Appeal 2026

River Kids Children's Charity has launched the West Lothian Toy Appeal 2026.

26 October

With one in four children living in poverty in West Lothian, we are once again calling on the local community to help ensure that every child can receive a gift this Christmas.

As more families across West Lothian face financial pressures, the Toy Appeal continues to play a vital role in supporting those who may otherwise struggle to provide gifts for their children at Christmas. River Kids is receiving referrals from social work services, schools and charities across West Lothian, highlighting the ongoing need for community support.

Last year, the appeal distributed an incredible 3,394 bags of gifts and toys to children and young people across the county, helping hundreds of families during the festive period.

The Toy Appeal supports some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in West Lothian, including:

● Victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

● Children living in homelessness accommodation.

● Children and families experiencing poverty.

● Families supported by more than 20 partner charities across West Lothian.

To help meet the growing demand this year, River Kids is appealing for donations of new, unwrapped gifts and toys valued at no more than £20, selection boxes and financial contributions to help purchase gifts.

This year, River Kids is making a special appeal for donations for children aged 9-13, an age group that can often be overlooked during the Christmas period. While toy appeals traditionally focus on younger children, older children and pre-teens still deserve to experience the magic, excitement and joy of Christmas.

River Kids is calling on the community to help ensure these young people feel remembered and valued by donating age-appropriate gifts that reflect their interests, hobbies and personalities. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can help bring a smile to a young person's face and make Christmas a little more special for those who might otherwise go without.

How You Can Help

There are several ways to support the appeal:

-Organise a toy drive

Organise a toy drive at your workplace, school or community group and encourage colleagues, friends and others to donate new toys and gifts for children and young people aged 0-18. Donations can be delivered to River Kids as early as possible in December to allow sufficient time for sorting, packing and distribution.

-Visit a local drop-off point

Visit one of the many drop-off points across West Lothian. Donation boxes and giving trees will be located at participating venues, with details available on the West Lothian Toy Appeal Facebook page. Please ensure that all gifts are unwrapped and valued at no more than £20.

-Shop through the Amazon Wishlist

Purchase a gift through the River Kids Amazon Wishlist, with items sent directly to River Kids in Broxburn for sorting and distribution.

-Make a financial donation

Donate through the West Lothian Toy Appeal JustGiving page to help River Kids purchase gifts for the children and young people who need them most.

A Community Effort This Christmas

Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps bring festive magic to local children and families. River Kids is encouraging residents, businesses and community groups across West Lothian to get involved, spread the word and support this year's appeal.

Your donations have a lasting impact that goes beyond Christmas morning. Every gift helps ensure that no child feels forgotten and that the magic of Christmas can last a little longer for the families who need it most.

Keely Renton, Project Lead at River Kids, said:

"Each year, we are blown away by the generosity of the people of West Lothian. With more and more referrals coming through on a daily basis, it is clear that the need for this service is greater than ever."

"The impact of these donations goes beyond the child receiving the gift. They can make a life-changing difference to families, allowing them to focus on what really matters at Christmas time."