Donations including a football signed by West Ham legend Mark Noble keep coming for this year's Newham Christmas Toy Appeal - but more gifts are needed.
The charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) and the Recorder are partnering once again for the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal to provide presents for disadvantaged children.
Alison Butler and her three-year-old child, from Stratford, dropped off some gifts for the appeal at the Terence Brown Arc in the Park, the main hub of AAA.
READ MORE: West Ham players launch Newham Christmas toy appeal 2022
Appeal co-ordinator Paula Blake said: “A huge thank you to Alison, Dava and family for making a generous donation to the appeal, which is truly appreciated. Families helping others is what our campaign is all about.”
Another donor was Rose Bennett, a stalwart of the campaign.
Rose has been knitting toys and cardigans for the appeal for more than ten years but this year will be her last, as she said it is getting harder for her to knit.
Sporting gifts were given by Newham Bookshop, with worker John Newman handing over a signed football and signed book by former Hammers captain Noble to help raise money towards the appeal.
Paula said: “Toys are slowly coming in and these donations are great to see. We need new gifts no matter how big or small to ensure no child goes without. All gifts are so appreciated. Please do all you can to help.”
AAA’s appeal in partnership with the Recorder has been running for 45 years.
Despite the generosity shown so far, the charity said many more donations are needed.
Paula added: “We know that people are coping with the cost-of-living crisis. But we hope those who have supported us for so many years can support us again.
"There are both children – and senior citizens – among those out there already helping us.
"All donations help us provide gifts to those who need it most. We want to provide Christmas packages of new gifts appropriate to each child’s age, abilities, needs and if, possible, their most wished-for gift, to open on Christmas Day.”
Anyone who would like to donate new toys to the appeal can do so at the Terence Brown Arc in the Park hub in Bethell Avenue, Canning Town, from 9am until 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays.
Alternatively, buy a gift on AAA's Amazon wishlist amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/3GHSM2AO5OPZQ.
People can also donate money on a JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/KevinJenkinsChristmasAppeal2022.
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