Toy dress up day brings new gifts for children in poverty

Children at Benthal Primary School in Stoke Newington dressed up as toys for the day to raise money to buy Christmas gifts for children experiencing extreme poverty.

The playground was filled with toy soldiers, Rubix cubes, Uno cards and even a space hopper. It’s the third year the school has supported the Winter Toy Appeal. Staff and pupils paid £1 to dress as toys on November 29th and a group of children will go shopping to pick out gifts for the Appeal.

Headteacher Louise Drew said: “The children really engage with the toy appeal - they love getting dressed up and they feel very proud to know they are helping to send a little magic to those who are experiencing hard times.”

Each year the school typically buys toys for over 50 children in poverty. This year they held a poster competition, with the winners selected to go shopping for gifts.

Appeal founder Jenna Fansa said: “The support Benthal Primary gives the toy appeal is wonderful. These children are brilliant role models - they really understand the difference these toys make and always pick out beautiful gifts - you can see the love that goes into choosing.”

With just one week to go the Winter Toy Appeal urgently needs more donations. Please drop new toys at Location Location or Askew Eyewear on Church St, at The Rio cinema in Dalston or for details of more drop off points visit: www.wintertoyappeal.com

You can also shop online via the wish list at: www.toyappealwishlist.com

Toys are distributed to children in most need via a network of social workers, schools, children’s centres, hostels, refuges and food banks.

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