In 2024, shockingly, child poverty remains a significant issue in Reading, with 25% of children living below the poverty line. This represents a substantial portion of families who are struggling to provide their children with basic necessities including food, clothing, and even heating their homes.

For Reading, specifically, estimates suggest that over 8,000 children are growing up in poverty. In a classroom of 30 children, this means approximately 7-9 children. These figures highlight the stark reality for many families, where basic necessities often take precedence over luxuries, leaving little room for joy during the festive season.

In response to this urgent need, Reading Family Aid is proud to announce the launch of the Toys and Teens Appeal once again this year. The Chronicle and Reading Family Aid are calling upon the generous residents of Reading, and its surrounding areas, to help us bring smiles to the faces of disadvantaged children this Christmas. The appeal aims to collect toys and gifts for those children who, without our support, may not receive any presents during the holiday season.

Last year, the appeal successfully provided toys and gifts to 2,500 children in Reading, ensuring that each child received at least four items—a combination of two main presents, one smaller gift, and a book. This year, we hope to surpass that number, but we need your help to do so. All new and nearly new donations will be received at various donation points around town and will go directly to children referred by social workers, charities, schools, and places of worship that work closely with families in need.

From December 8th, all collected items will be checked, sorted, and packed at a local church hall before being distributed back to the organisations that have identified children in need. This collaborative effort ensures that Santa can visit every child in Reading, spreading joy and warmth during a time that can be particularly difficult for families facing economic hardship.

Every toy and gift counts—your contributions make a world of difference. Whether it’s an arty gift set, a thrilling game, or a captivating book, each item has the power to create lasting memories for children who deserve joy and hope. If you are unsure of what gift to buy, please take a look at the charity’s wishlist, or consider donating to the Go Fund Me.

 

Last year, the appeal faced challenges in gathering enough donations for teenagers aged 13 and over. The charity urges supporters to consider this age group and think about giving new or nearly new gifts for teenagers, as they are often overlooked during the holiday season. Suggested gifts include: board games, makeup kits, art sets, or gift cards.

Join us this holiday season in making a tangible difference. Your support is vital to ensuring that every child in Reading experiences the magic of Christmas. Together, let’s create a community where no child goes without on Christmas morning. For donation points and more information on how you can help, please visit our website or follow us on social media. Let’s make this a Christmas to remember!

Thank you

Sources:

https://endchildpoverty.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Local-indicators-of-child-poverty-after-housing-costs_2024_Main-Report.pdf

https://endchildpoverty.org.uk/faq-2024/

https://endchildpoverty.org.uk/child-poverty-2024/

 

Full list of drop-off points for donations including opening times:

Central Reading

Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU

Mon 0900 to 1700, Tues 0900 to 1700, Weds 1015 to 1700, Thurs 0900 to 1700, Fri 0900 to 1700

 

Little Pioneers, Co-operative Childcare Nursery, The Hospitium, Valpy Street, Reading RG1 1AR

Mon to Fri 0730 to 1800

 

Reading Central Library, 3rd Floor, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BQ (collection box by Library Helpdesk)

Mon 1000 to 1700, Tues 1000 to 1900, Weds Closed, Thurs 1000 to 1900, Fri 1000 to 1700, Sat 1000 to 1500

 

Skipton Building Society, Queen Victoria Street, Reading RG1 1TG

Mon & Tues 0930 to 1630, Wed 1000 to 1630, Thurs & Fri 0930 to 1630, Sat 0930 to 1200

 

North Reading

Caversham Homecrafts, 46 Church Road, Caversham RG4 8AU

Mon to Sat 0900 to 1700

 

Caversham Library, Church Road, Caversham RG4 8AU

Mon Closed, Tues 0900 – 1700, Weds Closed, Thurs 1300 to 1900, Fri 0900 to 1700, Sat 1000 to 1500

 

Caversham Tiles, Donkin Hill, Caversham RG4 5DG

Mon to Fri 0730 to 1700, Sat 0900 to 1600

 

Fourbears Books, 20 Prospect Street, Caversham RG4 8JG

Tues to Sat 0930 to 1630, Sun 1100 to 1430

 

Mapledurham Golf Club, Chazey Heath, Mapledurham RG4 7UD

Sun to Fri 0630 to 2200, Sat 0630 to 1800

 

New Bridge Nursey School, Montague Street, Caversham RG4 5AU

Mon to Thurs 0900 to 1545, Fri 0900 to 1200 (term time only)

 

St. Barnabas Church, Parish Centre and Church Hall, St. Barnabas Road, Emmer Green, Reading RG4 8RA

Mon 1400 to 1500, Tues 0830 to 1100, Weds 1000 to 1200, Fri 1400 to 1500, Sun 0900 to 1200

The Parish Centre is open when “welcome” flags are outside, please drop items in Parish Centre porch

 

Weller Centre, 110 Amersham Road, Caversham RG4 5NA

Mon to Fri 0900 to 1700

 

South Reading

Big Yellow Storage, 27 Rose Kiln Lane, Reading RG2 0JZ

Mon - Fri 0830 to 1730, Sat 0900 to 1730, Sun 1000 to 1600

 

Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road, Reading RG2 7ED

Mon to Fri 0800 to 1700 (term time only)

 

New Homes Flooring, Unit 2, Heron Industrial Estate, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood RG7 1PJ

Mon to Fri 0830 to 1730

 

Optimal Align Chiropractic, 5 Lime Square, 250 South Oak Way, Reading RG2 6UG

Mon to Fri 0730 to 1900, Sat 0800 to 1230

Shinfield Parish Council, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH

Mon to Fri 0900 to 1700

 

East Reading

Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive, Earley RG6 4HB

Mon - Fri 0830 to 1700, closed weekends

 

Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Close, Chalfont Way, Lower Earley RG6 5HZ

Mon 0930 to 1700, Tues 0930 to 1900, Weds Closed, Thurs 0930 to 1900, Fri 0930 to 1700, Sat 0930 to 1600

 

Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JZ

Mon to Fri 0830 to 1700, Sat 0900 to 1700, Sun 0900 to 1600

 

Woodley Library, Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JA

Mon 0900 to 1300, Tues 0900 to 1700, Weds 0900 to 1700, Thurs 0900 to 1900, Fri 0900 to 1700, Sat 0930 to 1600

 

West Reading

Battle Library, 420 Oxford Road, Reading RG30 1EE

Mon Closed, Tues 1300 to 1900, Weds Closed, Thurs 0900 to 1700, Fri 0900 to 1200, Sat 1000 to 1500

 

Co-op Food, School Road, Tilehurst RG31 5AR

Mon to Sat 0700 to 2200, Sun 1000 to 1600

 

Southcote Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square, Southcote RG30 3QP

Mon Closed, Tues 0900 to 1200 & 1300 to 1900, Weds Closed, Thurs 0900 to 1200 & 1300 to 1600, Fri 0900 to 1200, Sat 1000 to 1300

 

Tilehurst Library, School Road, Tilehurst RG31 6AS

Mon 0900 to 1700, Tues 0900 to 1200, Weds Closed, Thurs 1300 to 1900, Fri Closed, Sat 1000 to 1500

 

Henley

Christ Church Centre, 46 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1AG

Mon to Fri 0900 to 1700

 

Newbury

Lifestyle Fitness at Trinity School, Church Road, Newbury RG14 2DU

Mon to Fri 1630 to 2100, Sat and Sun 0800 to 1300