The council is calling on local businesses to support its Christmas toy appeal, which has been set up in partnership with Cambridge City Food Bank and Cambridge Sustainable Food to ensure that each family receiving an essential Christmas food hamper will also receive a suitable toy or family game to leave under the tree.

Building on the success of last year’s campaign which, thanks to the generous support of local businesses and individuals, saw more than 700 Christmas hampers and gifts delivered to local families, the target this year is for 800 hampers with each family also receiving a suitable gift.

The suggestion is that most families will receive a game to play together, but younger families will be given a more suitable toy for young children to play with.

For gift ideas, visit the gift lists on John Lewis' website or local toy seller Lighthouse Toys' website or by visiting our Christmas Appeal webpage. Lighthouse Toys will deliver donations to the council for free.

Other suppliers can also be used, but organisers are asking that gifts only include family games or non-gendered items that are suitable for toddlers. Gifts should be delivered before the end of November, during opening hours, to:

• NatWest bank at 21 Petty Cury, CB2 3NE
• The council's Brown's Field, Meadows, or Clay Farm Community Centres.

Organisations including The Polar Museum, Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service, Barclays Eagle Labs, Savills and Co-op all donated multiple gifts last year.

Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood, Mayor of Cambridge, said: “The support we received from local businesses and employers last year was fantastic, including from Wolfson College students going the extra mile and donating multiple gifts for families. We know the festive season can put additional pressure on families, especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet, and we want to ensure that no Cambridge families have to face a Christmas without any gifts under the tree. 

“We are keen, with support from local people, to increase the number of gifts we’re able to give to families this year along with the Christmas food hampers, and we would be grateful to each and every local organisation that wants to get involved. Whether a donation of multiple gifts on behalf of an organisation, or a group of colleagues clubbing together, it is a great way to bring staff together and will all help to spread some Christmas cheer to local families.”

Find out the latest information on the appeal including full information about donating money or food to support the food hamper appeal.