IT has been a good week for the Community Links and Newham Recorder Christmas Toy Appeal for 2010. We now have almost 2,000 gifts, which is simply great.

But we now have to turn up the kindness. We still have to collect a massive number of toys — 11,500 to be precise — in less than a month. We have to ensure no child is left out at this special time of year.

For the 34th year we have proudly launched our appeal in conjunction with the group that is at the heart of local life, care organisation Community Links.

I will attempt my usual sponsored swim for the campaign at the weekend and if you want to sponsor me, all donations will be greatfully accepted, you can make a donation at our Ilford office or any of our drop off points by simply dropping off a donation.

This week, support already pledged by Mayor Sir Robin Wales and Newham Chamber of Commerce’s was backed by the Olympic Delivery Authority and the Theatre Royal, Stratford.

Newham Bookshop, one of our drop off points are to make a donation and The Harley Davidson Owners Group and the British Motorcycle Association are also backing the campaign by staging a special Bike Toy Run around East London on December 11.

Meanwhile, Community Links are busy preparing for the parties at which the toys you donate will be handed out, bringing joy to so many. The parties are to be staged at Links’ main base in Barking Road, Canning Town.

Toys have been coming into our drop off points all over Newham. For the nearest one, please see the list below. Please do all you can to make this year’s appeal one to remember. There are a lot of young people depending on YOU.

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THERE is still time to take part in the quiz event of the year to raise vital cash for the Community Links and Recorder’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

Our annual challenge quiz will be held om December 2 from 7.30pm. Participants can arrive from 7pm at Links’ base in Barking Road, Canning Town.

It always provide tension, drama and above all else, fun. The Recorder’s own team will be there.

The Recorder Rejects will aiming to regain the trophy they last won in 2007, and were pipped to by one point in last year’s event. Tables of eight cost just �75, which will enable a family of disadvantaged children to have a really special Christmas.

As well as the chance to hold the trophy for a year, each member of the winning team will get a bottle of wine.

Previous quizzes at the public hall have been oversubscribed, and with interest already running high, early booking is recommended.

If you want to enter a team, contact Kevin Jenkins, Paula Blake or one of the Toy Appeal team at Community Links on (020) 7473 2270.

Each table taken up equates to another family of children having a Christmas to remember this year.

There will be prizes for the winners and lemons (or possibly something completely inappropriate) for the losers!

The night is always popular so booking now is recommended. Please bring your own drinks and nibbles.

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YOUR gifts have been coming in to our drop off points all over Newham in the last seven days, as well as to our base in Ilford.

We are very greatful to those who have made the trip here as we know it is not easy.

We are also indebted to the kindness of people like the pensioner of 75 from North Woolwich who made the journey to drop off �20 she had saved up for the campaign. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.

The Recorder’s Editorial Secretary Linda Warner is pictured with some of the toys that have been dropped off.

We have taken them to Links’ base in Canning Town where they are being wrapped and made ready for youngsters to receive from Santa.