Red Cross Dunedin has put a call out for toys, but those giving have been asked to leave toy weapons behind.
Red Cross volunteer Vicki Paul, of Dunedin, said for the first time, the Dunedin branch of New Zealand Red Cross would be collecting good quality new and used toys for a toy shop.
In adherence to Red Cross principles, she requested no toys of war be given.
''To sell toys of war goes against our principles regarding humanity, impartiality, and neutrality particularly. We don't want to promote war, even in children's play.''
New Zealand Red Cross' mission was to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and enhancing community resilience, Mrs Paul said.
''Of course, it is vulnerable people who are most disadvantaged by war.''
The donated toys would be sold at Red Cross in Dunedin on November 23 and the funds raised would be used to support programmes that benefited vulnerable families.
For hygiene and safety reasons, soft toys or broken toys could not be accepted, Mrs Paul explained yesterday.
Toys for the shop could be dropped off at Red Cross Dunedin at 31 York Pl between Monday and Friday next week.
