Barnardos

Play it Forward this Christmas

At The Works, we believe it’s the little things – like sharing a favourite story or giving a treasured toy a new home – that can help make Christmas feel truly magical.

This festive season, as part of our ongoing partnership with Barnardo’s, we’re inviting you to donate new or pre-loved items - such as books, games, toys, or stationery - to support children and families across the UK.

You’ll find donation bins in our stores where you can drop off any unwanted items, which will be collected by Barnardo’s to repurpose or recycle. This means your unwanted treasures have a chance to be loved by someone else or resold to change a life. Because this Christmas, it’s the little things that can make a big difference.

About Barnardo's

Barnardo's is a UK-based children's charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families. They work to tackle a range of issues, including poverty, abuse, exploitation, mental health challenges, and homelessness. They work with thousands of children and families each year, striving to give them safe, stable, and supportive environments to help them build a better future.

What you can donate and where

You can donate brand new or pre-loved, good-quality items such as books, games, toys, and stationery at 466 selected The Works stores across the UK. The only items excluded are clothing, homeware, electricals, diaries and calendars. Jigsaws, pens, and pencils must be unused and in sealed packaging.

Find your nearest The Works store here.

See our list of participating stores here.

Want to do more to help?

Visit Barnardo's | Children's charity | Barnardo's to read more about their incredible work and what you can do to help support their mission.