Ho ho ho! Charity’s incredible Christmas Toy Appeal reaches its target

SLEIGHED by your kindness! We did it. The appeal to bring joy to those who need it most hit its target with just hours to spare.

The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2025, run by charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve, (AAA) managed to raise the Yuletide spirit with gifts and toys for almost 2,000 local children.

The 48^th year of the campaign was supported by the Newham Recorder.

A major boost came from Sahara Care, the home care provider delivering residential care for people with learning and physical difficulties. Sharon Kaur, managing director, chairman Terry Brown and board members presented a cheque for £5,000 to AAA’s Chief Executive Jonny Boux. (pictured below)

• Sahara Care gave us an amazing boost

In the run up to the last few days of the appeal, a team from MACE, who have been great supporters of AAA for many years, volunteered to pack gifts for referrals an prepare festive surprises for children we are supporting over Christmas. They also made their own donation.

*   The team from MACE

And Barclays team gave the campaign valuable help at our warehouse in Beckton, provided by Galleons Reach Shopping Centre. They helped sorting and packing gifts which have now been distributed.

• Barclays Team at our warehouse

MP James Asser also visit the centre in Beckton with staff from the LRT Lost Property office in West Ham where they helped unpack the three cages of new toys they had donated the day earlier. (see picture below).

And a team from All Funds gave the campaign (pictured below) gave great help in their stint at the warehouse.

West Ham United Academy players also came to help at the warehouse as part of the Hammers’ community initiatives. Two groups of five players enjoyed their day.

Toy Appeal co-ordinator and AAA’s Operations Manager Paula Blake said: ““The success of this year’s Toy Appeal is down to the incredible kindness of our supporters and volunteers. Together, we’ve helped make Christmas brighter for children and families facing real challenges, such as financial hardship and housing insecurity.”

AAA Chief Executive Jonny Boux said: “The level of support that has come through this year has been nothing short of remarkable. Demand for the appeal continues to reflect the pressures so many families in Newham are facing, but once again our supporters have risen to the challenge. Their generosity over recent weeks has ensured that children who need it  most will experience the joy and excitement of Christmas Day. This year is a true example of what can be achieved when people pull together, and we are so grateful to everyone who has played a part”.