Generations of support for the appeal helped by those with hearts of gold

The way the Community Links and Newham Recorder Christmas Toy Appeal is taken into the hearts of the community every year – and has been for almost 40 years – is summed up perfectly in a picture taken this week.

I have been privileged enough to be a part of the campaign since it started, first as a reporter and later as Editor of the paper and now as a patron.

One of the more unusual aspects of the campaign has been the support of bikers with heats of gold, who stage a toy run every year and who bring fun and toys to the appeal.

A convoy of bikers arrive at the Community Links building in Barking Road with presents for the toy appeal.

In the midst of all the bikers were three generations of the same family. Grandad Steve Maynard, son Daniel and his daughter Josephine, four months, were all together for the campaign.

It was a magical moment for all there.

Ride organiser, John Pryke, said: “It went really well, the weather was brilliant as well. We had in the region of 40 motorcycles and delivered quiet a few presents.”

“Steve came to the first bike ride 30 years ago, then he started bringing his son when he was old enough and now he has brought his own daughter along.” appeal organiser and Links pesident Kevin Jenkins said.

“Josephine is only a baby, she was born in August, but I’m sure once she’s old enough she’ll be on the back of her dad’s bike joining the ride,” said Steve.

The same is reflected borough wide. It is a testimony to Kevin and his wife Paula and all the team who help run the appeal, that it remains at the heart of the community.

There are generations of volunteers, who were helped by the appeal as children, who come back and do their bit each year.

We held our annual quiz night last week, and added to that was the £616 I raised through my sponsored swim. But with only a couple of weeks to go, we are only just half way over the target of 18,000 toys.

We really need your help to meet the target. See the Recorder and Links’ websites for details of the drop off points all over Newham for the appeal. We need help and we need it now.

The drop off points are here:

http://www.community-links.org/news/pr/christmas-toy-appeal-what-to-give-and-where-to-give-it

If you prefer to give cash, you can donate here.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=communitylinkschristmas&isTeam=true

The Recorder’s full report and more details on the appeal can be found here:

http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/toy_appeal_bikers_drive_miles_to_donate_toys_to_newham_s_deprived_children_1_4807015