The generosity and kindness of our readers has seen us reach this year’s Toy Appeal target.
The campaign, run in close partnership with local charity Community Links, has received donations over and above its 15,000 toy target ahead of the big day.
The appeal’s success means more than 3,000 young people in Newham will receive a gift.
And despite the achievement the donations and celebrity endorsements keep on rolling in.
For EastEnders actors Ricky Grover and Perry Fenwick, it was a case of swapping the fictional E20 for helping children that live in the real one.
The pair, who both grew up in Newham, have supported the appeal for a number of years.
Staff at Network Rail in Stratford handed over a large donation of toys, as did workers at the London Legacy Development Corporation.
Students at Lister Community School and members of the Newham Chamber of Commerce are also among those supporting the cause with a collection of toys.
The appeal, run in conjunction with Community Links, provides presents to Newham’s underprivileged youngsters who would otherwise be without gifts on Christmas morning.
Recorder editor Michael Adkins said: “Hitting the target is wonderful news. We’re so pleased to be able to help out those who most deserve our kindness at this time of year.”
Links boss Kevin Jenkins said: “We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for their help and support in reaching our target this year – it’s been a real community effort. It’s a great thing to know that we have done it again.”
If you’re sitting on a donation or planned on giving something, we are still taking donations until 5pm today at our regular drop-off points.
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