Toy joy for hospital youngsters

Saturday, 22 December 2012

All presents and correct: Headteacher Jennifer Rodin and children from Hasmonean Primary School in Hendon

By Henry Vane

Sick children in Barnet’s hospitals have something to smile about this Christmas and Chanukah with the donation of around 200 toys by a Hendon charity.

Camp Simcha, based in Queens Road, rounded up hundreds of toys that had been collected and packed by pupils at 27 schools and community groups across Barnet.

The charity, which supports children in the Jewish community who are suffering from serious illnesses, distributed the toys to kids from all backgrounds who are spending Christmas on hospital wards at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals and children receiving support from Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and other care teams in the borough.

The toys are all new and cater for all ages, from toddler to teens and items include games, books, sensory toys, arts and crafts, dolls, jigsaws and puzzles - but no cuddly toys which aren't allowed because of the risk of spreading infection.

Noah’s Ark Hospice received two bags containing 30 sensory and arts and craft toys. Kathryn Hammond, Family Activities Coordinator, thanked Camp Simcha’s generosity and said: “Thanks to Camp Simcha’s wonderful donation we will be able to give some educational gifts that the children will absolutely love.”

Susan Horton, play specialist at Barnet Hospital, in Wellhouse Lane, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Camp Simcha. The gifts they provided are such a wonderful boost for children who have to stay in hospital over the festive season."

The donation is part of Camp Simcha’s annual toy drive which collected more than 4000 toys across London this year.

Camp Simcha chief executive Neville Goldschneider said: “We have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity. By the time we had finished packing up the toys, the bags were quite literally piled to the ceiling. It was wonderful.”

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