Time is running out to make a difference for disadvantaged children in Newham this Christmas.

There are just more than two weeks left for the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2024.

The appeal, which is run by Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) in partnership with the Newham Recorder, needs thousands of gifts to reach its target.

The aim is to provide more than 15,000 new toys for more than 3,000 youngsters.

Yesterday (December 3) saw the launch of The Big Give, which AAA is taking part in for a week.

AAA business manager Lucy Jenkins said: "Any donations we receive through a specific link they will double for the appeal.

"From December 3 to December 10, the Big Give will match donations."

The appeal reaches out to Newham's most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and at-risk children, who receive very little or no support from surrounding agencies and organisations.

Last week, six boxes full of goodies from Keel Toys in Ashford, Kent, gave the appeal a boost.

AAA's detached and outreach coordinator, Bob Goldsmith, and appeal coordinator, Paula Blake, unpacked the donations.

The first group of the appeal's 320 volunteers started their work on November 29 in the Toy Warehouse, which has been donated by Gallions Reach Shopping Park in Beckton.

This marks the beginning of 16 days of volunteering by corporate supporters, AAA staff and friends.

Resident Amanda donation to Christmas AppealOne resident with her donation to the appeal (Image: AAA)

West Ham United will also be supporting the appeal by setting up a Giving Tree at the club's London Stadium superstore for fans attending games to donate gifts.

Individuals and businesses have been in contact, appeal organisers said, promising to contribute gifts or donations in the coming days.

An Amazon gift page has been set up, featuring a selection of items including toys, hats, CDs, books, headphones, watches, and teddies that would be suitable for the recipients.

There is also a JustGiving page for cash donations, which will be used to purchase presents.

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