Winter Toy Appeal for Disadvantaged Children
Strand on the Green School hosting toy collection day
A community appeal for has been launched for toys in support of local children in need this winter. The appeal has been launched by a group of residents with experience working with charities, who say poverty in the borough is increasing with an estimated 8,600 children falling into the poverty category.
Neighbours, supermarkets and local schools, such as Strand on the Green Infant School in Chiswick have got on board for the campaign which unites residents from diverse backgrounds through not just donations of toys, but through a big community toy wrapping event next month.
This is the second year of the toy appeal and they hope to collect 2,000 new toys from local residents for local children, for distribution through a network of over 10 charity partners such as children’s charities, baby banks and even food banks.
Organiser Saba Hassan explains: “This year, we were once again inundated with requests for toys from organisations working on the frontline of poverty, and another Winter Toy Appeal seemed like the obvious and necessary response.
"Toys are so important not only for the joy they inspire, but for childhood development and learning, and sadly, children experiencing poverty or disadvantage often don’t have access to age-appropriate toys. Creating an environment of play isn't always possible when you're battling to provide the basics such as food and shelter.”
Feltham Foodbank were delighted to be one of the charity partners receiving toys last winter, and they have requested toys again this year, They said: “That's a Wrap helped us by helping those in need. Many of our service users are struggling month to month, let alone at Christmas time when families are stressed about not being able to afford presents for their children.”
A wish list of toys can be found on the That’s A Wrap! website, alongside a list of local collection points where the toys can be dropped off. Alternatively, money can be donated via their GoFundMe webpage, which will be used to purchase toys wholesale.
Strand on the Green Infant and Nursery School in Chiswick, will be hosting a school-wide collection of 300 toys for the second year in a row, while local businesses and supermarkets are similarly getting involved.
Hounslow Library, Feltham Library and Chiswick Library have also agreed to host ‘Toy Drop Off Points’ for the duration of the appeal.
The toy appeal will culminate in a Community Toy Wrapping Event, where local residents are invited to come together to sort and wrap the donations before distribution. The event will take place on Sunday 15 December at the Nishkam School in Isleworth. Snacks, refreshments and music will be provided by the That’s A Wrap! team, and volunteers are encouraged to bring friends and family along to create a festive community atmosphere. Residents who wish to do so can register free of charge via Eventbrite.
November 27, 2019