Barking and Dagenham charity toy drive delivers thousands of gifts

The Barking and Dagenham Charity Hub Toy Drive is spreading festive cheer to families in need, with donations reaching children across the borough and beyond.

Council leader Dominic Twomey (second from right) wrapping gifts with volunteers  (Image: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham)

The project is a collaboration between Barking and Dagenham Council, The Kindness Offensive, and other community partners.

Together they are distributing tens of thousands of toys and gifts to families in need during the holiday season.

Council leader Dominic Twomey said: "I want to thank The Kindness Offensive for partnering with the council to bring people and local groups together to support our communities.

"We know the cost of living means people are still struggling.

"Christmas can be a really tough time for some families who might otherwise be left without.

"It was so wonderful to see the children’s faces light up as they unwrapped their gifts."

Volunteers rolling up their sleeves to wrap more gifts  (Image: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham)

The Kindness Offensive is a London-based charity and has led the charge coordinating donations, with the council providing warehouse space to help.

Last week, volunteers delivered a red bus full of gifts to Becontree Primary School, filling the hall with Christmas decorations and presents for the children.

Presents in the Becontree Primary School hall waiting to be opened by pupils (Image: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham)

The school's headteacher Marie Ziane said: "What an incredible afternoon we all had.

Children get their hands on the presents (Image: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham)

"We talk about kindness every single day with our children and this event really did bring kindness to life.

"The look of surprise and amazement on our children's faces was priceless; all thanks to a team of dedicated and wonderful volunteers for making it happen."