The Newham Christmas Toy Appeal has been launched and renamed The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal in honour of its founder Kevin Jenkins who passed away earlier this year.

The appeal is in its 44th year and is run by charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) with the Newham Recorder, supported by Community Links.

Colin Grainger, trustee and patron of the Appeal, told Newham Voices about his first encounter with Kevin over four decades ago when he shared his vision for the campaign. It is for disadvantaged children in the community whose parents cannot afford to buy Christmas presents.

The first year’s target was for 500 toys but it has grown to 15,000 as local residents lend increased support, including pensioners providing monetary or hand crafted donations, or even a newspaper boy sharing his pocket money. Businesses also give support..

“The whole community has always been involved but the spirit of community cohesion and togetherness has been more evident since the pandemic,’ said Mr Grainger, former editor of the Newham Recorder.

During the pandemic almost 3,000 families benefited from the appeal, an increase of 1,000 from 2019. However, with more and more families living below the poverty line, the need has increased significantly.

The charity is committed to carrying forward Kevin’s legacy this year and beyond.

Each youngster will get a sack with at least 4-5 brand new appropriate toys and other resources tailored to meet their individual needs. Newham council’s children and young people’s workforce refer families in need and as a referrer for the past two years I can testify to the positive impact of this project.

“I have struggled with my mental health this year and to be honest I don’t think I have thought about Christmas or presents. To receive this I am very grateful and it has made me very emotional that people are still looking out for each other. It has uplifted me” one parent said.

AAA’s vision is for every child and young person to have Ambition, the confidence to Aspire and the self-belief to Achieve. Anyone wishing to donate directly can visit the Amazon Wish List at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/1PSGXVJ0PIR4F?ref_=wl_share

Donations can also be made in person at the Terence Brown Arc In The Park, Canning Town.

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