The Entertainer in Kent launches The Big Toy Rehoming Scheme with the Salvation Army

Parents decluttering the kids' toy boxes are being encouraged to donate unwanted items to branches of a Kent store which is collecting on behalf of the Salvation Army.

The Entertainer has announced the return of its Big Toy Rehoming scheme, which aims to prevent unwanted toys from going to landfill whilst also giving them a new lease of life with families living in poverty.

The launch of the scheme comes just days after the arrival of another recycling campaign called Coats for Kids which aims to pass on unwanted coats and jackets to families who can't afford to buy them.

The Big Toy Rehoming Scheme is in partnership with The Salvation Army and last year's campaign saw 16,000 toys rehomed with under privileged children.

Children delving to the bottoms of their toy boxes or cupboards to make room for new Christmas toys have until the end of January to pass on those belongings they no longer play with.

The Entertainer in The Mall, Maidstone, Bluewater Shopping Centre, County Square in Ashford and Kent's newest branch in Chatham's Pentagon Centre are all taking donations until the end of the month.

Families simply need to take their bag or box of unwanted toys into the store before Friday, January 31 and leave with a member of staff.

Those looking to donate items don't need to worry about boxes or packaging but toys must have a CE label for safety reasons. More guidance can be found here.

Gary Grant, The Entertainer founder, said: “We are incredibly proud to announce the return of The Big Toy Rehoming campaign alongside The Salvation Army. It has been especially brilliant to receive feedback from those both on the receiving end of donations and kind families donating, with words of encouragement and praise for the campaign.

"Last year was a phenomenal success and we hope to continue to increase the number generous donations we receive for 2020, especially as families look to declutter their homes after Christmas and make room for their new toys and games.”

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