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/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
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