Haven House has been “overwhelmed by generosity” after hundreds of toys were donated by kind-hearted members of the community in time for Christmas.

The children's hospice, in High Road, Woodford Green, received the donation of 634 items worth almost £6,000 following a Christmas toy appeal.

The toys and games, which included specialist play equipment to help children with their sensory and co-ordination skills as well as regular toys, were then gifted to children and their siblings at the hospice’s annual Christmas party on Saturday 15 December.

More than 100 people, including families, staff and volunteers took part in the party at St Aubyn’s School in Woodford Green, which included a pantomime, games, festive food, drinks, face painting and Santa’s Grotto.

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive at the Hospice, said: “The idea of our family Christmas party is to bring a little Christmas spirit to the children and families we support, helping to bring people together and create wonderful memories.

"The kindness we've been showered with has bowled us over. We’ve received so many lovely messages of support and wonderful gifts in support of our Christmas Toy Wish List appeal. We really can’t thank our community enough for their response.”

The donations will also support the hospice’s Toy Home Loan service, which is a free lending service of specialist toys for children with complex medical needs and life-limiting conditions in the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, West Essex, Enfield, Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Haringey and Islington.

The toy library includes many objects that light up such as LED lamps, plasma globes and hand-held UV light tubes. Mirror balls, bubble tubes, switch-operated toys of different shapes, sizes and textures and musical toys all help children to engage, learn and have fun.

Mum Sylvia Nyamaah, who has been using the hospice’s services since her son Malachi was just six months old added: “The annual Christmas party is always a wonderful time to come and celebrate this time of year with other families. There’s always a fun and exciting atmosphere and I’m so grateful for all the presents the children received. Malachi and his siblings had the best time – it’s good to spend time with them doing fun things.”

A special thanks to the following Barclays London Service Centre, Citi, Viacom, Alto Digital and Hendon Prep.

If you would like to support Haven House during this festive period click here.