The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal

The Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal has been bringing the magic of Christmas to children and families across Newham since 1977. Renamed in 2021 in honour of our founder, the late Kevin Jenkins OBE, the appeal continues his legacy of ensuring that no child misses out on Christmas because of financial hardship.

Each year, thousands of children in Newham face Christmas without the gifts and celebrations that many take for granted. With child poverty rates among the highest in the country, many families are also experiencing the impacts of rising living costs, insecure housing, food insecurity, poor mental health, disability, domestic abuse, bereavement and other significant challenges.

Working in partnership with the Newham Recorder and a network of local organisations, we provide new Christmas gifts, festive food hampers and memorable seasonal experiences for children and families who need them most.

Referrals are received from trusted professionals and organisations across the borough, including:

  • Children's Social Care

  • Schools and colleges

  • Family Support Services

  • Health Visitors

  • Community Mental Health Teams

  • Women's Refuges

  • Homeless services

  • Community and voluntary organisations

This referral process ensures the appeal reaches the most vulnerable children and families who may otherwise go without support during the festive season.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals, community groups, businesses and volunteers, every child referred receives a stocking filled with brand-new gifts, helping them experience the excitement and joy of Christmas morning. Many families also benefit from a Christmas food hamper, providing both essential food items and festive treats to ease financial pressures over the holiday period.

How can you help?

There are many ways you can support the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal and help make Christmas special for local children and families:

  • Donate a new, unwrapped gift at the Terence Brown Arc, Hermit Road Park, Bethell Avenue, London E16 4JT.

  • Make a donation through our dedicated JustGiving campaign.

  • Purchase a gift from our Amazon Wishlist, with items delivered directly to us.

  • Volunteer your time to help sort and distribute gifts.

  • Businesses and organisations can organise workplace toy collections, sponsor the appeal, or support us through corporate volunteering. We can also provide a dedicated JustGiving page and Amazon Wishlist for your organisation's fundraising campaign.

    Every donation, gift and act of kindness helps ensure that children and families across Newham can experience the joy, hope and magic of Christmas. Together, we can make a lasting difference to those who need it most.

    Contact us today to discuss how you can get involved and help bring the magic of Christmas to children and families across Newham.