Record-breaking toy appeal brings festive cheer to over 2,700 Rochdale children

Thursday, 29 January 2026 16:52

By David Murphy

More than 2,700 children across Rochdale received Christmas presents last month thanks to the borough’s biggest-ever toy appeal.

The Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal collected and delivered over 10,000 toys and gifts in the run-up to Christmas, setting a new record for donations. The effort, coordinated by the council’s staff charity in partnership with Rochdale AFC, Rochdale Riverside and Your Trust, saw a surge in support from residents, schools, businesses and community groups.

Helen Walton, who runs the appeal for Rochdale Giving Back, praised the outpouring of generosity: “We really can’t thank everyone enough for their kind donations. The appeal relies so much on the generosity of the many people who donate, and on the hard work of a dedicated team of volunteers. You have made a lot of children very happy at a time of year that can be difficult for some families.”

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said the response this year was overwhelming. “So many local businesses and their employees stepped up and were incredibly generous. This record-breaking appeal shows what we can achieve. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

The annual toy appeal has been running since 2013, supporting thousands of children and teenagers who might otherwise go without at Christmas. This year’s record-breaking success was made possible thanks to contributions from dozens of local businesses, including Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Marks and Spencer Rochdale, The Norton Grange Hotel, and Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club.

Anyone struggling with the cost of living can visit rochdale.gov.uk/costofliving or call the council helpline on 01706 923685, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.