THERE has been a stream of toys coming in for the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal.


The appeal has just over 1,000 toys so far, but needs 15 times that if no child is to be left out. More than 3,000 young people are to benefit from our campaign, so we really need your help now.

One of the appeal’s longest supporters, the Newham Bookshop in Barking Road, Upton Park, backed the appeal yet again with a donation of books for children and young people that will prove lovely Christmas presents. 

Vivian Archer, from the shop, presented the gifts to appeal co-ordinator Paula Blake.

And we got a double boost from twin sisters Layla and Salma Haidrani, who turned up at the Terence Brown Arc in the Park with some gifts.

Salma said: “We really wanted to do something this year for those who need it most.”

Added Layla: “We read about the appeal in the Newham Recorder and decided it was exactly what we wanted to help.

“It has been doing great things for so many years. We then went out and bought gifts.”

The sisters hope to provide more presents before AAA’s deadline.

Meanwhile, former Newham Recorder editor and Ambition, Aspire, Achieve trustee Colin Grainger completed his annual sponsored swim to raise funds for the Christmas Toy Appeal.

Colin, 69, dived in the for forty-sixth year in a row at the Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre in Romford.

He said: “I feel like I won’t walk for a week but I am happy to have done it.”

He completed 50 lengths breast stroke to raise money for the appeal

“The swim has so far raised £611 towards the target of £750 - and every pound raised is already being used to buy new toys and the appeal.”

You can still donate to Colin’s swim. Go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/colin-grainger-5