The first donations have come in for an annual Christmas appeal - but more are needed.

The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2024, now in its 47th year, is run by Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) in partnership with the Newham Recorder.

With more than 3,000 vulnerable children and young people referred this year, early requests for help have already surpassed previous years.

AAA chief executive Jonny Boux said: "More than 200 corporate volunteers have already pledged to help at the warehouse being provided in Beckton by the Gallions Reach Shopping Park."

The target is to collect the equivalent of 15,000 new toys and gifts for young people.

An Amazon Wish List - amzn.eu/dDHhZLz - has been set up for those wishing to choose and purchase gifts online.

The list includes a selection of items ranging from toys, hats, CDs, and books to headphones, watches, and teddies.

Donations can also be made in person at the Terence Brown Arc In The Park, in Bethell Avenue, Canning Town, from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

You can also donate to justgiving.com/campaign/xmasappeal2.

Former Newham Recorder editor and AAA trustee Colin Grainger, 70, is taking part in his annual sponsored swim to raise funds for the appeal.

It is his 47th year in a row he is taking on the challenge, aiming to swim 50 lengths and raise £900.

He said: "The need is greater than ever this year."