Councillor Michael Hadwen and Councillor June Mummery join Wayne Bavin from BBC Radio Suffolk Breakfast, Krystal Vittles and Mandy Grimwood from Suffolk Community Libraries at the launch of the Be Kind to a Kid at Christmas toy appeal.
By Georgina Quinn | 2 November 2026
BBC Radio Suffolk, Suffolk Community Libraries and Vertas have joined forces once again to relaunch the Be Kind to a Kid at Christmas toy appeal for 2026, encouraging Suffolk residents to donate new toys for children who may otherwise go without a gift this Christmas.
The appeal will collect donations of new toys which will be distributed to children and families across Suffolk who are facing challenging circumstances.
The appeal last ran in 2024 and over 3,800 new toys were donated at the county’s libraries before being passed to more than 20 local charities and organisations who work with families and children going through difficult times.
Be Kind to a Kid 2026 officially launches on Monday 2 November. This year, 12 of Suffolk’s 45 library branches will be available as a donation point, including Ipswich County, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.
For a full list of participating libraries and their opening times, please visit the Suffolk Community Libraries website.
The appeal closes on Friday 4 December to enable BBC Radio Suffolk time to sort and pass on the toys in time for Christmas. There are a few guidelines to help anyone kind enough to donate toys, to ensure people get what they need:
- New toys only
- Toys suitable for children aged 0-12 years
- Gender-neutral toys are particularly welcome
- Toys should fit within a shoebox or gift bag
- No toys requiring batteries, chargers or subscriptions
- Suggested value between £5 and £10
Cllr Michael Hadwen, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
“I am proud that Suffolk’s library service, Vertas and BBC Suffolk are partnering again for the ‘Be Kind to a Kid’ campaign this year. Every single toy donated will bring some Christmas joy to a child in need.
“The campaign also recognises the invaluable work of library staff and the many organisations that provide vital support to children and families all year round. I hope the people of Suffolk will once again show their generosity and support the campaign as they have done in previous years.”
“It’s wonderful to see the ‘Be Kind to a Kid’ appeal returning this year. We know that many families continue to face financial pressures, and this campaign helps ensure that more children can experience the joy and excitement of Christmas.
“Every donated toy has the potential to make a real difference to a local child. Please dig deep and support the campaign if you can.”
Wayne Bavin, BBC Suffolk Breakfast presenter said:
“We are delighted to be working with Suffolk Community Libraries this year on Be Kind to a Kid. The incredible response we’ve seen in previous years shows just how generous Suffolk people are. Even a single toy donation can help make Christmas brighter for a child who needs it.”
Residents can donate toys at participating libraries from 2 November until 4 December. For the full list of libraries acting as donation points, and further details about the campaign, please visit: suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/toys.
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