The patron of Epping Forest’s largest emergency food agency has been moved to tears after hundreds of toys were donated to her Christmas appeal.

Pearly Queen of Clapton Teresa Watts held her Christmas Toy Appeal for 3Food4U and has been inundated with donations in just a few weeks.

Teresa said: “I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of the public, many of whom are struggling themselves. I'm humbled by the response, I'm in tears.

This Is Local London: Hundreds of toys were donated to Teresa Watts' appeal.Hundreds of toys were donated to Teresa Watts' appeal. (Image: 3Food4U)

“I'd like to say a huge thanks to Paula and Mark for helping with all the collections.”

Santa will be giving out free Christmas presents to vulnerable and needy families in Epping Forest at all of the charity’s surplus hubs next week.

You don't need to be a service user to benefit from this generosity. Just drop in when Santa will be visiting on:

  • December 19: 13 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1ER: 11.30am to 1pm
  • December 20: Loughton Club, 8 Station Rd, IG10 4NX: 11.30am to 1pm
  • December 21: All Saints Church Hall, Chigwell Row IG7 4QD: 5pm to 6.30pm
  • December 22: Zinc Arts Centre, Ongar CM5 0AD: 1pm to 2.30pm
  • December 23: 13 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1ER: 11.30 am to 1pm

The charity is also very grateful after more than 400 chocolate advent calendars were again donated again by Rico and Neo from Treats For Kids - and their parents Rina and Sanj. These were given out at all its hubs at the end of November.

This Is Local London: Rico and Neo present the advent calendars to 3Food4U's chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala.Rico and Neo present the advent calendars to 3Food4U's chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala. (Image: 3Food4U)

3Food4U is offering free groceries, clothes and essentials without assessment or referral to anyone that needs it. Stopping food, household essentials and clothing going to landfill, saving the environment and feeding the community by treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.

It’s fundraising page is at https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20356308