Reading Family Aid is thrilled to once again launch the Toys and Teens Appeal, with the generous support of local businesses and community leaders. In partnership with The Reading Chronicle, we are calling upon the kind-hearted residents of Reading and the surrounding areas to help make this Christmas special for disadvantaged children and teens. The appeal aims to collect toys and gifts for children who, without our collective efforts, might go without a single present this holiday season.

We are especially grateful to the sponsors and companies who make this vital initiative possible. Their unwavering support ensures that every donation goes directly to children in need, helping to bring joy and warmth to families facing difficult circumstances.

The Berkshire Freemasons: A Longstanding Partner in Giving

For the past seven years, the Berkshire Freemasons have been a cornerstone of the Toys and Teens Appeal. Their commitment to the community and support for this cause is truly invaluable. Mark Heppelthwaite, Deputy Leader of Berkshire’s Freemasons, said: “I remember when a child we supported requested, as a gift for Christmas, some shower gel and deodorant. It was heartbreaking to realize that something so basic, which we often take for granted, was something she lacked.”

Mark continued, “The Freemasons are deeply embedded in the communities where we live. This toy appeal allows us to directly help vulnerable children by providing them with gifts they would otherwise not receive. It’s hard to imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning with nothing. We are proud to help change that.”

Big Yellow Self Storage: A Community-Focused Partnership

The team at Big Yellow Self Storage has also been a dedicated partner in this appeal for many years. Karl Nixon, Assistant Store Manager, explained, “We all feel the appeal is hugely important and positive especially in the tougher climate these days for children and families at Christmas. I feel the appeal will make a huge positive difference to children, as no child deserves to not have an enjoyable Christmas”.

How You Can Help

Last year, thanks to the generosity of the community and our sponsors, the Toys and Teens Appeal successfully provided gifts to over 2,500 children in Reading. Each child received at least four items, including two main presents, one smaller gift, and a book. This year, we aim to surpass that number, but we need your help to do so.

You can drop off new and nearly new toys at donation points across Reading. These gifts will be distributed to children and teenagers referred by social workers, charities, schools, and places of worship who work closely with families in need. Your contribution—whether it’s a toy, a game, or a book—helps ensure that every child has something to look forward to this Christmas.

From December 8th, all collected donations will be sorted and packed at a local church hall before being distributed to the organisations supporting children in need. This collaborative effort ensures that no child misses out on the magic of Christmas.

Special Appeal for Teenagers

In response to last year’s challenges in gathering enough gifts for teenagers aged 13 and over, the charity encourages supporters to consider this age group when donating. Suggested gifts include: board games, art kits, sports gear, makeup sets, or gift cards. Teenagers are often overlooked during the holiday season, so your thoughtful donations will make a real difference in their lives.

Make a Difference This Christmas

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, including Berkshire Freemasons and Big Yellow, whose generosity makes the Toys and Teens Appeal a success year after year. Without their support, this vital initiative wouldn’t be possible. Together, we are ensuring that Christmas morning will be a little brighter for the children and families in our community.

Join us in making a tangible difference this Christmas. Your donations, whether big or small, will help create lasting memories for children in Reading. Visit our website or follow us on social media to find out where you can drop off your donations or how you can contribute financially to the appeal. Please take a look at the charity’s wishlist, or consider donating to the Go Fund Me.

Together, we can ensure that no child goes without on Christmas morning. Thank you for your continued support, and let's make this a Christmas to remember!

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

Here is the full list of drop-off points  for donations across Berkshire:

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