Make Christmas special for disadvantaged kids

Children’s Christmas wishes are evolving as today’s kids show awareness of the less fortunate and consider what they could give to a disadvantaged child, according to new research released today.

Rather than seeing other children go without toys in the festive season, the research from Argos and Barnardo’s shows that 95 per cent of children would happily give up some of their Christmas presents, if it meant a disadvantaged child could enjoy a happier Christmas.

And the spirit of Christmas continues with children also sharing their time, the new study revealing that 54 per cent of children spend time during their Christmas break supporting various causes with bake sales, sponsored silences, carol concerts and charitable donations.

And the Christmas belief of giving and receiving can start immediately for children across the UK with the launch of the third annual Argos Toy Exchange with children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Until 25 November, Argos customers are invited to drop off once-loved toys at Argos or Barnardo’s stores in return for a £5 voucher towards the cost of new toys (minimum £35 spend), to be redeemed at Argos by 24 December. All donated toys are then sold in Barnardo’s retail outlets to raise funds for the charity.

The scheme aims to raise money for some of the UK’s most disadvantaged children and this year TV presenter and mum of two, Tess Daly has teamed up with the UK’s number one toy retailer* Argos and children’s charity, Barnardo’s, to make this year’s event the most successful yet!

Tess Daly, said: “I’m really excited to be a part of the Argos Toy Exchange this year. It’s an incredibly worthwhile cause and one which can help make Christmas that little bit more special for disadvantaged families across the UK. We want to bring the grand total from the three Toy Exchanges to £2 million, with over 1150 Argos and Barnardo’s stores throughout the country it’s so simple to just pop down to your local branch and get donating!”

And ahead of Christmas, the Toy Exchange is the perfect way to clear out those pre-loved toys and make space whilst supporting a hugely worthwhile cause.

Amy Whidburn, Head of Corporate Responsibility for Argos, said: “As the UK’s number one toy retailer, we know how important it can be having something to open on Christmas morning. Each year Argos’ Toy Exchange raises hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of toy donations. Over the last two years we have generated around £1.25 million worth of toys and this year we want to add to this to hit £2 million over the three years. With the money raised going to help support some of Barnardo’s vital causes such, as early year’s development or vocational skills training, we’re committed to make this the most successful year yet!”

Gerard Cousins, Barnardo's Director of Retail and Trading, said: “After the success of the Toy Exchange over the last two years, it made sense to aim towards the next milestone, to bring the total target to £2 million. We believe that with the support of the UK’s children and their families, we can do it!

“Barnardo’s helps some of the most disadvantaged youngsters in the UK for example; those growing up in poverty, those trying to escape abuse and those living in care. Profits from the toys, when sold will fund this work’.

For more information about the Toy Exchange visit: www.argos.co.uk/toyexchange