Help ensure every child has a festive present to unwrap as the Winter Toy Appeal returns
Appeal organisers Basil and Jenna Fansa, and Vicky Bibiris. Photograph: Winter Toy Appeal
The Winter Toy Appeal is back for its eleventh year – with volunteers collecting new gifts for children experiencing extreme hardship in north-east London.
Each year the appeal collects gifts for thousands of children who would otherwise go without.
The toys are distributed by local organisations such as children’s centres and refuges as well as Hackney and Haringey councils.
The appeal, run by discount card company Local Buyers Club in partnership with Location Location estate agency, typically reaches more than 5,000 children.
Organiser Jenna Fansa said: “The cost-of-living crisis means many more families in London are going hungry – many simply can’t afford to buy gifts at Christmas.
“We’re urging anyone who can to buy a new toy or donate funds to ensure every child has a special gift to open.
“The toys we collect go to children in the care system, those living in temporary accommodation and children experiencing extreme hardship.
“When children talk excitedly together in the playground about their Christmas presents, it brings about a crushing sense of injustice for those who didn’t get anything. So, beyond the initial joy the toys bring, the appeal has a more lasting impact.
“I hope that through the Winter Toy Appeal these families feel the love of their community.”
People can donate through a GoFundMe page, and there’s an online wishlist with an independent toy shop, as well as an Amazon wishlist.
It’s also possible to donate a new toy by dropping it off at Location Location at 18 Stoke Newington Church Street.
More than 34,000 gifts have been donated to the appeal since it began in 2014.
The last day to donate is 16 December.
Visit bit.ly/toyappealhackney to order a gift for a child in Hackney (they’ll be delivered direct to Hackney Council) or, for more information or to donate to the Go Fund Me, visit wintertoyappeal.com.