Donations for the Toy Appeal have been coming in thick and fast this week, with one of the biggest handovers taking place outside one of the borough’s most iconic structures.

Newham Recorder: Two containers full of toys donated to the toy appealTwo containers full of toys donated to the toy appeal (Image: Archant)

Construction workers at the Olympic Stadium have taken a break from readying the site for West Ham United’s move to collect toys for underprivileged youngsters in Newham.

They were joined in their quest by other employees of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, who between them managed to collect 1,800 presents - smashing last year’s record donation of 1,500 toys.

To prevent the toys from being damaged by the construction work, they were kept in two large crates before staff opened them in front of representatives from Community Links, revealing the full extent of their generosity.

David Goldstone, chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “It’s great to see all of the toys that people have so generously donated.

Newham Recorder: Davendra Dabasia presents a cheque to Kevin JenkinsDavendra Dabasia presents a cheque to Kevin Jenkins (Image: Archant)

“We’re proud to support Community Links and the great work they do in Newham.”

“It’s heartwrenching,” said Community Links co-founder and life president Kevin Jenkins, who also received a cheque for £5,000. “It’s such a lot.”

The money will be spent on providing even more presents for the youngsters supported by the charity.