Toys have started arriving for the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2024 and fundraisers are boosting the cause.

The appeal, run by charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) and supported by the Recorder, aims to provide more than 15,000 new toys to more than 3,000 youngsters.

This is the 47th year of the appeal.

Twin sisters Layla and Salma have been donating to the charity's Christmas and Easter appeals for the last two years, and recently dropped off gifts at AAA's Terence Brown Arc in Canning Town.

Appeal co-ordinator Paula Blake received the gifts from the pair.

Former Newham Recorder editor and AAA trustee Colin Grainger completed his annual sponsored swim to raise funds for the appeal.

Mr Grainger, 70, now a freelance journalist, has participated in the swim for 47 consecutive yearsColin has done a fundraising swim for 47 consecutive years (Image: Colin Grainger)

He completed 50 lengths of breaststroke, despite suffering from breathing problems and COPD, raising £700 for the appeal. 

Colin said: "I am utterly shattered.

"The first half of the swim was ok, but after 30 lengths I started to get cramp and had to slow down.

"After a brief respite I managed to get to 42 before I cramped again.

"But I managed to complete it.

"Many thanks to the pool staff for their help and a coffee and a bar of chocolate after was most welcome."

Kindhearted motorcyclists are also set to make their usual Christmas ride to provide much-needed new toys for the appeal.

Organiser John Pryke explained that the bikers will start off their run at Triumph East London headquarters in London Road, Romford, at noon on Saturday, November 30.

John said: "We are really looking forward to another great day.

"The appeal is so important to young people in Newham and we have been happy to lend our support for many years now.

"We always get a great welcome wherever we are on the journeys and the appeal sums up how the community cares for one another."

Donations can be made in person at the Terence Brown Arc, Canning Town, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

An Amazon Wish List has also been set up at https://amzn.eu/dDHhZLz.

This feature has a selection of items ranging from toys, hats, CDs and books to headphones, watches, teddies and much more that the appeal organisers know would be suitable for those receiving presents.

To donate cash, visit justgiving.com/campaign/xmasappeal2.