DOUBLING UP! We have doubled our total for the Community Links and Newham Recorder Christmas Toy Appeal for 2009. We have now amassed the equivalent of almost 3,000 gifts, which is excellent. We need another 10,000 toys in just three weeks to ensure no

DOUBLING UP! We have doubled our total for the Community Links and Newham Recorder Christmas Toy Appeal for 2009.

We have now amassed the equivalent of almost 3,000 gifts, which is excellent.

We need another 10,000 toys in just three weeks to ensure no child is left out at this special time of year. For the 32nd year we launched our appeal in conjunction with the group that is at the heart of local life in our borough, care organisation Community Links.

Last weekend, I will completed the second part of my usual sponsored swim for the campaign and raised over �220. This will hopefully be matched by funding from the Newham Recorder's parent company Archant, through their scheme called Archant Gold.

On Thursday Newham Chamber of Commerce signed up following a presentation from Links' Kevin Jenkins and agreed to stage a "bring a toy collection" at their monthly breakfast meeting on Thursday December 17.

Elsewhere on this page, you will read about Newham Council's support for the campaig, led by Mayor Sir Robin Wales.

And The BMF Better Biking Region 5 team are staging their annual toy run on Saturday December 12.

They leaving Strattone H-D, in Loxham Road, Chingford, at 12.30pm and another group of bikers will leave the King's Oak pub in High Beach, Essex, at 12pm. Bikers are invited to come along with a toy or toys and enjoy the ride and make a child's Christmas special.

The bikers raise the toys for the Community Links and Newham Recorder Toy Appeal and take the toys to Links main headquarters in Barking Road, Canning Town.

With help from the BMF, Essex HOG, VSOC and riders who want to make a difference, the event is always very special.

Links are already planning for the party at which the joy you give will be given to the youngsters. Other gifts are delivered to homes in Newham.

Please do all you can to help. We really do need YOU to get behind this vital campaign.

Newham Parents Centre in Barking Road are collecting and will make their presentation of gifts this week.

But many local kindhearts who have supported us in the past are now no longer sadly in business.

Please help us now so that no child is left out.