A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors

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.

Deputy Leader of the Berkshire Freemasons Mark Heppelthwaite and Diane Stone

​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.”

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Toby Holt (left) and Karl Nixon (right)

​​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”. 

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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.
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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!

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