Mission Partner: Alternatives Trust

Every year we collect toys to give to our mission partners, Alternatives Trust, who are based in East London. They work with many families in that area who find themselves in difficult circumstances and unable to spend money on buying toys for their children.

The families come to Alternatives for a variety of reasons, including those who have moved to this country as refugees and are struggling to find somewhere to live. Also those whose family circumstances have changed and are struggling on their own with young children. Alternatives provide a wide variety of help for these families, including counselling, parenting groups, vocational opportunities and legal advice.

Last year they knew they had to vacate their premises in Forest House in Plaistow and were praying for new premises to suit their needs within the area. Thankfully they have just moved into a new base which is at St Edmund’s Church, in Forest Gate. This will provide great opportunities for them to continue to develop their work in that area.

Toy Services. We will be collecting new unwrapped toys along with wrapping paper so they can give out the toys for the parents to wrap to give to their children. Please do not give any toys that are associated with war or conflict due to some of the children having experienced trauma associated with this. Also toys without the need for batteries are best. We will be collecting the toys at all our services on 26 November or please drop them off at St George’s up until 29 November.

If you are unable to buy a toy you can donate via their website https: www.altel.org.uk.