Please get behind the Winter Toy Appeal!

“Let’s end this devastating year with a little Christmas magic.”

That’s the plea from the organisers of The Winter Toy Appeal, as they urge people to buy new toys for local children in poverty.

Last year’s Winter Toy Appeal reached 4,000 children in Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Haringey. It’s run by The Local Buyers Club and toys are distributed via a network of social workers, schools, children's centres, food banks, hostels and refuges to children in most need.

Organiser Jenna Fansa, who runs the appeal with her husband Basil, said: “The outbreak of Coronavirus has been devastating for many families – food banks have seen an unprecedented surge in demand as poverty rises steeply. People who lose their jobs face a wait of around five weeks for Universal Credit. I hope that once again our Winter Toy Appeal can ease the pressure for local families in poverty and ensure every child has a special gift to open.

“Organising a Toy Appeal of this scale mid-pandemic is certainly more challenging but 2020 has been such a tough year for so many that we’re more determined than ever to deliver a little Christmas magic.

This is the seventh annual Winter Toy Appeal but Covid-19 means the team are having to do things a little differently. Supporters are asked to either buy gifts online via a special wish list or donate to a Go Fund Me page with the money being used to buy toys from independent shops. Thousands of pounds have already been spent with Stoke Newington Toys & Books.

Toys bought via the wish list will be sent straight to the various agencies which will distribute them. Unlike previous years, there won’t be other local drop-off points.

The Local Buyers Club is donating £5 to the Toy Appeal for every new member who signs up using the code WINTERTOYAPPEAL.(Membership is £12 a year, Click here to join).

Every year the appeal is supported by Location Location estate agency, who donate generously and help organise. A small army of local supporters also volunteer their time to leaflet and fundraise. If you’d like to help please email jenna@localbuyersclub.com

Click here to read more about the appeal.

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