A Christmas toy appeal is expecting its highest demand ever.
It has been warned that many families will be facing a difficult winter as the cost of living rises and the uplift in Universal Credit ends.
The appeal collects and buys toys for children in poverty in Haringey, Islington, Hackney, Barnet and Tower Hamlets.
The scheme raises funds to buy toys directly and the Local Buyers Club encourages the public to buy and donate toys from local shops and businesses by offering discounts in store.
Data from 2020 showed that more people were in poverty in London than the rest of the UK.
Within the capital, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney have the worst poverty rates. Therefore more families in these areas are relying on schemes like the winter toy appeal.
Last year over 5000 children received toys from the appeal. However, Jenna says that this year they are expecting the demand to be much higher as families face rising gas prices and Universal Credit cuts.
Also, experts have predicted a shortage in toys this festive season as the UK faces supply chain issues. A high demand for certain toys could cause costs to rise pushing more families into difficulties this Christmas.
When asked for a comment about the demand for support this winter, Hackney Council said “Last month the Government announced that Hackney would receive a £2.8m Household Support Fund Grant which covers the period from now until March 2022.
“This grant is similar to the Covid Local Support Grant (previously the Winter Grant) and will primarily be used to support households in most need with food, as well as with energy and water bills.”
Christmas last year was restricted due to coronavirus so this year is an important one for many. The Winter Toy Appeal hopes to help families to make this Christmas one to remember.
HeadlineWinter toy appeal is expecting its highest ever demand this Christmas
Short HeadlineToy collection expecting difficult Christmas
StandfirstThe appeal launched in North East London this week amid fears about rising living costs and end of Universal Credit uplift.
A Christmas toy appeal is expecting its highest demand ever.
It has been warned that many families will be facing a difficult winter as the cost of living rises and the uplift in Universal Credit ends.
The appeal collects and buys toys for children in poverty in Haringey, Islington, Hackney, Barnet and Tower Hamlets.
The scheme raises funds to buy toys directly and the Local Buyers Club encourages the public to buy and donate toys from local shops and businesses by offering discounts in store.
Data from 2020 showed that more people were in poverty in London than the rest of the UK.
Within the capital, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney have the worst poverty rates. Therefore more families in these areas are relying on schemes like the winter toy appeal.
Last year over 5000 children received toys from the appeal. However, Jenna says that this year they are expecting the demand to be much higher as families face rising gas prices and Universal Credit cuts.
Also, experts have predicted a shortage in toys this festive season as the UK faces supply chain issues. A high demand for certain toys could cause costs to rise pushing more families into difficulties this Christmas.
When asked for a comment about the demand for support this winter, Hackney Council said “Last month the Government announced that Hackney would receive a £2.8m Household Support Fund Grant which covers the period from now until March 2022.
“This grant is similar to the Covid Local Support Grant (previously the Winter Grant) and will primarily be used to support households in most need with food, as well as with energy and water bills.”
Christmas last year was restricted due to coronavirus so this year is an important one for many. The Winter Toy Appeal hopes to help families to make this Christmas one to remember.
