TfL's Lost Property Office brings Christmas joy to hundreds of children

Transport for London's (TfL's) Lost Property Office is donating hundreds of brand new toys to The Salvation Army to give to disadvantaged children in south London over the Christmas period.

The toys will appeal to children of all ages and range from soft toys and board games to sports equipment. 

The Salvation Army in Deptford, south London, will work with the local council to distribute the toys to families in need.

Marilyn Voase, Property Section Manager at the Lost Property Office, said: 'TfL's Lost Property Office has been donating unclaimed toys to the Salvation Army for underprivileged children in London for four years now.

'We donate the toys to help children have a present at Christmas who otherwise would not get one.

'The idea came from a member of staff, Paul Farmer, and was supported by the rest of the staff who thought it would be nice to save up the unclaimed toys that are lost on the Tube, buses and black taxis and to donate them to this good cause.'

A real difference

Captain Kevin Stanbury of The Salvation Army's Deptford Community Centre, said: 'The Salvation Army is really grateful for Transport for London's support over the years.

'The presents make a real difference to people who would otherwise be struggling at this time of year.

'It's great to see the children's faces light up when they get the presents.

'Transport for London's donation really does bring joy to so many people.'

Around 1,000 items are handed in each day to the Lost Property Office.

Over the years people have handed in many unexpected and unusual items including, Rolex watches worth more than quarter of a million pounds, £10,000 cash, human skulls, breast implants and a lawnmower.

Currently four in 10 bags, mobile phones and valuables are successfully reunited with their owners. 

Unfortunately, a large number of people do not get in touch to enquire about their lost property meaning it can never be returned.

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Notes to editors:

All the toys donated to The Salvation Army are found on TfL's transport network. The Lost Property Office only donates unclaimed toys which are more than three months old and are still in their original packaging

Images are available on request

If a name and address, email address or telephone number is found in the property, the potential owner is contacted and told that the Lost Property Office may have their item of property

Property normally takes a minimum of two working days to arrive at the Lost Property Office

After two days, people can enquire about lost property in several ways

• By calling 0845 330 9882 between 08:30 and 16:00, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)
• By filling in the online enquiry form
• By faxing 020 7918 1028
• In person or by writing to:
              Lost Property Office
              200 Baker Street
              London
              NW1 5RZ

Property not claimed after three months is either donated to charity (The Salvation Army or the British Red Cross) or sold at auction, with all revenue generated contributing towards the cost of running the Lost Property Office

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and registered charity working in 121 countries worldwide, offering support, friendship and very practical help to people of all ages background and needs. In the UK and Ireland this work includes more than 800 community churches and social service centres. Registered charity numbers England and Wales 214779, 215174 and in Scotland SC009359, SC037691, and Republic of Ireland CHY6399. For more information visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk

The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal runs from 20 November until 18 December, encouraging the general public to donate new, unwrapped gifts at Superdrug and other local drop-off points. The gifts are then distributed by The Salvation Army to people in need in time for Christmas morning