Bethel Family Library and Macclesfield Salvation Army want new, unopened toys and gifts for local children by Friday 11 December. Here is how to help this year.
A free children’s clothing and toy library that opened in Macclesfield this month has launched a Christmas Toy Appeal with Macclesfield Salvation Army, and wants new, unused and unopened toys and gifts by Friday 11 December 2026.
Bethel Family Library is based in the hall at Bethel Baptist Church on Calamine Street. The church announced on its own news page on 20 October that, “after months of working on the hall”, the library had opened, so that families can “donate, exchange, or pickup children’s clothes, toys prams etc… Either free of charge, or for a small donation.”
In an email to The Macclesfield Times, the team said: “We recently opened our doors to provide free baby and children’s clothing, toys, books and essential items to local families. We’re entirely volunteer-led, and everyone is welcome, regardless of their circumstances.”
What the appeal is collecting
The library is collecting for children of all ages. Its appeal poster asks for:
- new, unused and unopened toys or gifts
- gift vouchers
- a collection organised among a company’s staff
- a financial contribution
- businesses to display one of its posters or become a drop-off point
The toys must be new and still in their packaging. The team said the appeal is meant “to help bring a little Christmas magic to children and families who may otherwise struggle this year”, and the poster says the aim is to “help ensure every child has something special to open this Christmas”.
Businesses and nurseries asked to join in
The library has been writing to local businesses, nurseries and organisations for support, and now wants the wider town involved. “We’ve been reaching out to local businesses, nurseries and organisations to ask for their support, and we’d absolutely love to get more of the Macclesfield community involved,” the team said.
“We’re passionate about making Bethel Family Library a welcoming place where local families can support one another.”
How to give
Donations go to Bethel Family Library at Bethel Baptist Church, Calamine Street, Macclesfield SK11 7HU, by Friday 11 December.
Anyone who cannot get to Calamine Street can buy a gift online from the library’s Amazon Christmas wishlist, which the team set up so readers can send a present for the appeal directly.
The library has not yet published opening times; its team can be contacted at bethelfamilylibrary@gmail.com to arrange a drop-off, to take a poster, or to sign up as a collection point. The church says a dedicated Family Library section of its website is on the way.
Have your say