Could you tell your children Santa isn’t coming this Christmas?

Reading is widely regarded as an affluent, successful tech hub, but for some families, the reality is starkly different. This winter, many parents face the heartbreaking choice between heating their homes or feeding their families. For these families, buying Christmas presents is completely out of the question.

And this is where Reading Family Aid’s Toys and Teens Appeal aims to help. The appeal, sponsored by The Chronicle, collects new and nearly new toys and distributes them to families across Reading and the surrounding areas in time for Christmas. Charlie McLean, Publicity Manager for the charity, said “I have two young boys and I can’t imagine having to tell them that Santa hasn’t come this year. Christmas is a magical time in our family, and to have to explain to them they wouldn’t be getting any presents would be devastating. This appeal is so important, bringing a little joy to the lives of families who are truly struggling”.

This year, the Toys and Teens Appeal has received generous sponsorship from local radio station B Radio. Gavin Harris from the station explained: “For our team, this appeal is incredibly personal. Many of our presenters and producers live in Reading and see firsthand the struggles many families are facing. Living in an area where the cost of living is high, it's easy for these challenges to be overlooked, especially as the wealthier parts of Reading can mask the financial pressures so many face. For our team, supporting this goes beyond our roles at the station—it's about giving back to our neighbours and friends and doing what we can to make a difference for families in need this Christmas. For the children receiving these gifts, it’s about much more than a present—it's a reminder that the community cares about them, and it's a chance for them to experience the magic of the season despite the challenges their families might be facing”.

In 2022, the appeal brought smiles to the faces of 2,500 children across Reading by providing them with toys and gifts. This year, the goal is to surpass that number—but your help is crucial to making it happen. Donations of new and nearly new toys can be dropped off at designated collection points around town. These gifts will go directly to children referred by social workers, charities, schools, and places of worship working with families in need.

 

Every single donation counts. Whether it’s an artistic gift set, an exciting game, or an engrossing book, each gift has the potential to create lasting memories and spread hope. If you’re unsure of what to buy, the charity’s wishlist is a great place to start, or you can donate directly to the Go Fund Me page.

 

One challenge the appeal faced last year was a shortage of gifts for teenagers aged 13 and over. This age group is often overlooked during the holiday season. Supporters are encouraged to consider donating items like board games, makeup kits, art sets, or gift cards to ensure no teenager feels left out.

 

Join us this holiday season to make a tangible difference in our community. Your generosity is vital in ensuring that every child in Reading experiences the magic of Christmas. Together, we can create a community where no child wakes up without a present on Christmas morning.

For more information on donation points or how you can help, please visit our website or follow us on  social media. Let’s work together to make this Christmas unforgettable!

 

Reading Family Aid – Toys and Teens Christmas Gift Appeal 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