Donations are steadily coming in for the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal.
Among the first to add to the total was the Newham Bookshop in Upton Park, where Vivian Archer and her team handed over new books for youngsters.
The bookshop has been a keen supporter of the appeal since it began more than four decades ago.
Bookshop worker John Newham handed over £500 worth of books to appeal coordinator Paula Blake.
Shop owner Vivian said: “We are so proud to have been supporting the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal, which this year is more poignant more this year than ever. Keeping Kevin’s memory alive." .
Another regular contributor is a lady who donated knitted toys for children as well as clothing for toddlers and babies.
Rose Bennett has been a stalwart of the campaign for many years, providing handmade items for children helped by the appeal, run by Ambition, Aspire, Achieve in conjunction with the Recorder and supported by Community Links.
We’ve amassed almost 1,000 gifts so far, but now we need to get 15 times than to ensure no child is left out.
More donations are coming, though, as kindhearted motorcyclists will make their usual Christmas Toy Run next month to provide much needed new toys for the appeal.
It’s been an annual event for the Newham campaign for many years now – and the bikers also do a carbon copy run at Easter every year to provide Easter eggs for youngsters. Organiser John Pryke explained that the bikers will start off their run at Triumph East London headquarters in London Road, Romford, at midday on Saturday, December 4.
And former Newham Recorder editor Colin Grainger will be diving in to raise funds for the Christmas Toy Appeal next month. It’s the 44th year in a row that he has taken the plunge.
If you would like to contribute to Colin’s Just Giving Page to raise funds for the appeal, please go to this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/colin-grainger-3
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