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Toy appeal aims to help thousands of children

Aurelia Foster,Londonand
Chris Slegg,London
News imageWinter Toy Appeal Jennha Fansa, a woman with log dark hair tied back, wears a red jumper with a Christmas pudding design. She crouches in front of a display of toys in storage, smiling.Winter Toy Appeal
The appeal reaches up to 5,000 children living in hardship each year

Organisers of a Christmas toy appeal are urging people to donate to the project if they are able to, so they can give gifts to thousands of children living in extreme hardship in north and east London.

The Hackney Local Buyers Club is running its 12th annual appeal, but fear donations will drop due to increased pressures on household budgets.

This year, the project aims to provide new gifts to children living in the boroughs of Hackney and Haringey, which are among the most deprived in England.

Organisers say the appeal also helps support independent businesses in the area, as any money donated will be spent with local traders.

'Slow start'

The gifts are distributed by local councils, usually to children in care or those in temporary accommodation.

Appeal co-founder Jenna Fansa said she originally set it up because it felt unfair that some children did not get presents at Christmas due to living in poverty.

"It's a very special thing," she said.

"Since it started we've given out 37,000 gifts to children - typically 3-5,000 each year."

Ms Fansa said that since the appeal began, the community had "rallied around" to support it.

However, this year's appeal got off to a "slow start" she said.

"We've definitely noticed an impact on the appeal and the knock on effect of that is that we will reach fewer children, so we really do need people to give what they can".

Brand new craft sets, remote controlled cars, soft toys, Lego are especially helpful, she said.

Co-founder Vicky Bibiris said they aimed to ensure no child goes without a new toy on Christmas morning.

"Just by purchasing a small toy ...you'll make a difference to a child that otherwise doesn't have that spark of joy the children experience at this time of year."

News imageWinter Toy Appeal Vicky Bibiris (left) and Jenna Fansa (right) stand together smiling at the camera. Vicky has long brown hair and wears a white sweater. Jenna has lighter, long hair and wears a black sweater, Toys are piled up in the background.Winter Toy Appeal
Vicky Bibiris (left) and Jenna Fansa (right) have run the project for 12 years

The appeal organisers, The Local Buyers Club, is a membership group that encourages people to shop at local independent business with exclusive discounts and perks.

Money will be spent with businesses that sign up to the club. These include Stoke Newington Toys & Books, the Toy Box Victoria Park, Soup Dragon in Crouch End and Know and Love in Stoke Newington.

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