Redbridge Police have launched a campaign to provide young people in care with presents from strangers.
The tree in Ilford High Road has been covered in tags with details on how to take part in the appeal, which ends on Sunday.
Residents can sign up and will receive details of a youngster to buy a present for.
They can then take the present to their local police station and it will be handed out by police before Christmas.
To sign up and find out more visit met.police.uk/christmas-tree-appeal.
Presents must be handed in by Tuesday (December 15) in order to be delivered.
Shoppers have received an early treat this year after the town centre was adorned with new Christmas lights.
The decorations – funded by the Ilford Business Improvement District (BID) – were put up last week.
The BID has also installed an ice rink in Ilford High Road which opened on Thursday and will run from noon to 7pm every day until this Thursday (December 18).
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