A staggering 15,485 gifts were donated to the Newham Recorder and Community Links Toy Appeal, one of its best totals yet.

Newham Recorder: Dennis Hone Chief Executive of London Legacy Development Corporation and Paula Blake of Community Links,centre, at the drop-off point in the Olympic Stadium, where a hundred toys were donated.Dennis Hone Chief Executive of London Legacy Development Corporation and Paula Blake of Community Links,centre, at the drop-off point in the Olympic Stadium, where a hundred toys were donated. (Image: Archant)

It includes toys and presents donated, as well as financial donations, all of which were used to purchase gifts.

The appeal started in November with singer Suggs from Madness helping to launch it in Stratford.

Libraries and other drop-off points across the borough received toys and presents from residents, while donations were made by churches, businesses and residents.

Stephen Timms, East Ham MP, and Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales also helped out with donations.

The annual appeal bike run saw leather-clad bikers deliver gifts they had collected.

The appeal was topped off with a record-breaking £1,500 donation from the London Legacy Development Corporation, which looks after the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It was the largest single donation in the appeal’s 36-year history.

Kevin Jenkins, co-ordinator of the appeal, said: “I would like to thank everyone, especially in the challenging times we all face, who contributed towards the appeal this year.”

Michael Adkins, editor of the Recorder, said: “We really appreciate all the support from residents for this campaign and would like to thank them for helping to ensure the most disadvantaged children receive gifts for Christmas.”