Photo Credit: Carmarthen County Council Press Office
Donations of new gifts and money are now being accepted for Carmarthenshire County Council’s 2026 Christmas Toybox appeal which supports hundreds of families in the county each Christmas.
Nearly 9,000 gifts were distributed to 1,453 children at the end of last year’s appeal, providing valuable support to families who are struggling financially and can’t buy gifts for their children. This year, the Toybox Appeal is also being supported by the Salvation Army Carmarthen and Llanelli.
Donations can be made at locations across the county. A full list can be found on the Newsroom page of the Council’s website.
The Toybox appeal accepts a wide range of gifts including games, toys, arts and craft items and toiletry gift sets for all ages (18 months to teenagers). Unfortunately, the appeal cannot accept used or second-hand donations, however these items can be donated at household waste recycling centres to Eto, the Council’s repair and re-use project.
Identification of families and children who are in greatest need of support from the Toybox appeal is done by schools, family centres, social workers and youth workers. County Council staff will then distribute gifts in the run-up to Christmas.
Founded in 2011, the appeal ensures that local children, who might otherwise receive nothing or very little, are given a gift at Christmas.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for tackling poverty, Cllr Emlyn Schiavone, said:
“While Christmas is a joyful and special time for many, it can also be one of the most challenging periods of the year for families facing financial hardship.
The generosity shown by residents, community groups, schools, organisations and local businesses across Carmarthenshire continues to make a real difference to families who need support.
Once again, we are asking those who are able to help to consider supporting the appeal. Whether through a financial contribution or by donating a gift, every act of kindness will help ensure local children and families can enjoy a happier Christmas.”
Financial donations can be made online. If you have a cash or cheque donation please call 01267 246507.
Below is the full list of donation points:
- Carmarthen Customer Service Hwb
- County Hall, Carmarthen
- HWB Bach y Wlad (various locations – view the Hwb Bach y Wlad programme)
- Morrisons, Carmarthen
- Tesco, Carmarthen
- Carmarthen Leisure Centre
- Carmarthen Museum
- Salvation Army, Carmarthen
- Llanelli Customer Service Hwb
- Tesco, Trostre, Llanelli
- Morrisons, Pemberton Retail Park
- Pentre Awel, Llanelli
- Salvation Army, Llanelli
- Ammanford Customer Service Hwb
- Amman Valley Leisure Centre
- Tesco, Ammanford
- Cwmaman Community Centre
- Derwydd Garage, Llandybie
- Hengwrt (Menter Dinefwr) Llandeilo
- Llandovery Youth & Community Centre
- Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centre
- Siop Llawn Cariad St Clears
- Burns, Kidwelly
- Mynydd Y Garreg Hall Kidwelly
- JJ Motors, Cross Hands
- Neuadd Y Gwendraeth, Llanelli
- Pontyberem Memorial Hall
