Sun, 30 Nov 2025

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 Toy appeal aims to help thousands of children

The north-east London project is urging people to donate so all children get a present at Christmas.
The 12th annual appeal aims to distribute new gifts to children in Hackney and Haringey, two of the most deprived boroughs in England. The project also supports local businesses as any donations will be spent with independent traders in the area. Jenna Fansa, co-founder of the Winter Toy Appeal, originally set up the initiative because she felt it was unfair that some children went without presents at Christmas due to living in poverty. Since its inception, the appeal has given out 37,000 gifts. This year's appeal is off to a "slow start", with donations down, and organisers are concerned they will reach fewer children than usual. Fansa urges people to donate what they can, highlighting that small toys such as craft sets, remote controlled cars, soft toys and Lego are especially helpful. Co-founder Vicky Bibiris stresses the importance of ensuring no child goes without a new toy on Christmas morning, saying "just by purchasing a small toy... you'll make a difference to a child that otherwise doesn't have that spark of joy". There are several ways to donate to the Winter Toy Appeal, including through GoFundMe and spending with local businesses such as 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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