Christmas seems to have come early as a bounty of toys have arrived at the Newham Toy Appeal headquarters.
Donations, gifts and toys have been welcomed at the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2023 headquarters and distribution centre this week.
The appeal organisers Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) and the Newham Recorder are grateful for all who have contributed to help push the campaign closer to its target.
With less than three days to go until the final gift delivery, organisers are looking for a final big push to make sure every child gets a gift this year.
The appeal was started in 1977 by Kevin Jenkins OBE and relies entirely on donations from individuals, businesses and companies, as well as volunteers.
In its 46th year, the AAA has reported the charity appeal is needed now more than ever before.
The appeal aims to bring children in Newham a stocking full of new toys and gifts to give them the experience of a true Christmas Day, as well as inviting them to Christmas parties and a pantomime.
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50% of children in Newham are now growing up in poverty, according to AAA.
Families helped by the scheme in previous years include those with financial struggles, those with children who have additional support needs, families experiencing loss and those struggling with employment, as well as others.
The 2023 Toy Appeal has taken donations this year from long term supporters, as well as brand new ones.
Sisters Layla and Salma Haidrani shocked staff this week after returning with more donations following their original donation just two weeks beforehand.
Former England footballer Matt Jarvis was among names to donate this year and was pictured posing with gifts in front West Ham United’s Giving Tree inside the club's Stadium Store.
Those wishing to donate can do so in person at Terence Brown Arc In The Park, in Bethell Avenue, Canning Town, open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, donations can be made online here at justgiving.com/campaign/toyappeal2023 or gifts can be purchased from the Newham Toy Appeal 2023 Amazon Wishlist at amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1608HJIMEPD14
Help be the reason a child has a Christmas to remember this year.
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