Donating Gifts

Many kind supporters wish to donate presents for the children, young people and families who use the hospice and outreach services, particularly at Christmas and Easter.

They often ask what type of gifts to buy, so we have drawn up a list of items which are particularly suitable for children and young people with complex needs and limited mobility and communication abilities.

We also list some items which we are unable to accept.

Please note that all items must be brand new and toys must carry the CE label.

  • Current story books for all ages
  • Bright, noisy, colourful ‘cause and effect' toys for younger children with complex needs
  • Remote control cars etc.
  • Audio books - currently popular eg Harry Potter
  • Lego, Duplo, Plastic dolls and toy pushchairs
  • Up-to-date DVDs, CDs and PS3/Xbox/Wii games for teenagers
  • Smellies and girly-type gifts for teenage girls
  • MP3 players
  • Board games, especially the interactive type
  • Sensory equipment for teenagers with more complex needs e.g. mini fibre optics, hand massagers, wheat bags, lava lamps
  • Duvet covers - eg football clubs, Spiderman, Bratz, In the Midnight Garden etc.
  • Paints and art equipment
  • Gift vouchers (such as Argos) so that the child or young person is able to choose something they would like themselves (an outing they really appreciate!)

We are unable to accept the following items as they are unsuitable for children and young people with complex needs.

· Soft toys

Soft toys can be dust carriers and possible carriers of infections such as MRSA. We can only accept WASHABLE brand new toys with the CE safety mark.

· Knitted toys

We understand and appreciate all the time and effort that is put into making these items. However we cannot accept them, for the same reasons as soft toys and because they do not have the CE safety mark.

· Dolls' houses

We can only accept dolls' houses made of sturdy wood or plastic. We have had beautiful, expensive dolls' houses that have been damaged and broken very quickly. These are for looking at, not playing with and we like to play at the hospice!

· Rocking horses

Whilst they look attractive, they serve no real purpose as the majority of the children who visit the hospice cannot play on them. Some siblings enjoy them and we already have a few rocking horses around the hospice for them to use. If we find that we are running low then we will pass on the message, so that the next donation can be accepted with thanks.

We do, however, like to say ‘yes' to most things, but please call us first on 029 2053 2200 first to check.

Santa distributes presents at the hospice every Monday and Friday in December leading up to Christmas Day. He also gives presents to brothers and sisters staying at the hospice, and at the siblings' Christmas party. It would help Santa if he could receive any gifts in early December so that he has plenty of time to distribute them.

The Easter Bunny arrives about one month before Easter to "hide her eggs" for the children, young people and their siblings to find! Likewise, it would help the Easter Bunny to receive any donations well before Easter Day.

Thank you for all your generous donations – they really are appreciated!