Christmas Toy & Gift Appeal 2025
Written by Juliet Burnett
Head of Community Action
The festive season began with a remarkable show of generosity in support of our annual Christmas Toy and Gift Appeal.
Throughout the last week of November, thousands of gifts, consisting of toys, books, clothing, and festive items, were collected in the Houses by the School community and carried to Big School to be organised.
More than thirty parents and staff volunteers, supported by students from the Tonbridge Community Council, then spent two days sorting donations. With festive music and refreshments adding to the atmosphere, thousands of items were organised and individually selected for each child referred to the scheme. Gifts were placed into Christmas bags along with games, art materials and books for the whole family, before being carefully labelled and delivered to local primary schools or partner agencies.
The Appeal supports families across the area who are facing hardship in the lead-up to Christmas. Referrals come through primary schools, charities and Kent County Council’s Children’s Social Work Services. Many of the children helped are living in challenging circumstances linked to low income, illness, bereavement, abuse or family breakdown. Agencies tell us that these gifts offer far more than seasonal cheer: they help build trust, empower parents and show children and families that someone cares.
Demand this year was higher than ever, with a 29 per cent rise in referrals. Thanks to the generosity of the School community, the Appeal provided hand-picked presents for 749 children referred from 38 different agencies or individual Social Workers. Hundreds more items were passed to KCC in Kings Hill to support additional families.
“We wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to parents, boys and staff at Tonbridge School for organising and delivering the Christmas Toy Appeal again this year. Your efforts have made a real difference to the young people we support, and we truly appreciate the time and care that went into making this happen. It was lovely to meet and chat with the boys during the process. Their enthusiasm and commitment were inspiring, and it was wonderful to see their involvement in such a meaningful initiative.”
Becky Kelsey, Community Development Worker, Children, Education & Young People’s Service, Tonbridge & Malling Family Hubs, Kent County Council
“It is a joy and a privilege to be able to share some of what we have with local families this Christmas time. It is always humbling to read the families’ stories on their referral forms and to understand a little better what a difference this scheme makes. Thank you to all our parents, staff and boys who gave so generously with their donations, gifts and time to support this year’s Appeal and help it run so successfully.”
Juliet Burnett, Head of Community Action
