Islington Police launch Christmas appeal at Angel and Archway Stations
Officers and cadets at the Christmas appeal launch outside Islington Town Hall on Thursday - Credit: Archant
Islington Police is bringing festive cheer to hundreds of vulnerable children with its biggest Christmas appeal yet.
Officers want to deliver presents to 670 children who are under 18 and in care.
And children and families leader Cllr Joe Caluori said it was important at a time where Islington’s economic divisions are “laid bare”.
The annual appeal was launched at a gathering outside the town hall on Thursday afternoon.
With policemen on horses and cadets handing out free mince pies, it was impossible for passers by to ignore.
Christmas trees have now been erected at Angel and Archway Stations. Tags on the trees, which members of the public are invited to take, contain instructions on how to pledge money for the presents, with a maximum suggested spend of £20. Presents will be personalised to the children that have been identified.
Cllr Caluori said: “At Christmas, the economic divisions in Islington are laid bare.
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“Some people are very well off, and spending lots of money, where others are struggling to put Christmas dinner on the table.
“If the community can come together to bring some cheer to those who have less, then it’s only to be welcomed.
“Last year, we did well getting over 500 presents. This year, we are being more ambitious with 670 presents and I’m sure we will do it.”
He added: “I want to say a big ‘thank you’ in advance to the people of Islington for their donations for children who would otherwise have nothing this Christmas.”
Det Chief Supt Catherine Roper said: “This is a fantastic way for members of our community to contribute towards a gift for children in care in Islington at Christmas: a time where we all should think of others who are less fortunate than ourselves.
“I encourage people to support this heart-warming appeal so they can bring a little cheer on Christmas Day to children who may not otherwise receive a present.”
For more information, visit met.police.uk/christmastree/islington
