The kindness of strangers: thousands donated for Winter Toy Appeal

Jenna Fansa, founder of the Winter Toy Appeal

More than  5,000 children in poverty in North and East London had  a special gift to open this Christmas thanks to the generosity of others.

Now in its ninth year the Winter Toy Appeal had a “fantastic response” despite cost-of-living crisis and inflation driving up the cost of toys.

The appeal is organised by the Local Buyers Club with the Hackney Children and Baby Bank which helps collect donations, and the Location Location estate agency.

Hackney council’s temporary accommodation team are amongst council workers who stepped into play Santa Claus and distribute the gifts.

Toys and games were given out by social workers, councils, children’s centres, schools, food banks to bring children festive cheer. The appeal reached children in Hackney, Haringey, Tower Hamlets, Islington and Barnet.

Jenna Fansa, of the Local Buyers Club, said: “The toy appeal wouldn’t be possible without people’s incredible kindness. This year was particularly tough – so many people are feeling the pinch and we are incredibly grateful that they still donated so generously.

“For many of the children we reach, this is the only toy they’ll receive at Christmas. Lots of them don’t have any toys at home. Many families are unable to afford the basics like food and heating, and I hope that through the Winter Toy Appeal they feel the love of their community.”

Organisers thought it would be a challenge to collect enough toys because many people are facing financial woes, but were overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

“We reached 5,040 children and given how tough so many families are finding things we’re really relieved to have been able to help this many children in what was a really tough year,” said the Winter Toy Appeal founder Jenna Fansa.

Money was also raised through the sale of a charity Christmas card, designed by local artist StokeySketcher.

The appeal  generated more than £30,000 of trade for London’s independent shops; including Stoke Newington Toys and Books, The Toybox in Victoria Park and  Know and Love in Stoke Newington.