Bring Joy This Christmas: Donate Toys and Books to Children in Need

​Reading Family Aid’s Toys and Teens Appeal is back for 2024! Sponsored by The Chronicle, we are calling upon the generosity of the 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.

Members of the charity have outlined the dire conditions family are living in and why donating to the appeal is so important.  Ruth Perkins, Head of Fundraising said “I visited a family to drop off some toys and was welcomed into their tiny flat. The floor was concrete, there was no furniture, no fridge, no washing machine, just a mattress propped up against a wall. Their little boy had no toys at all, he was just playing with a cardboard box.” When Ruth gave the mum the new toys she had for her child she burst into tears.

​Ruth said “It’s people like this we do this appeal for. To bring a little bit of joy to their lives. The last thing she should have to worry about is how she can afford a present for her child at 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. 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.

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​​Many businesses supporting the appeal have found that organising a gift collection box in their reception area is an effective way to gather donations. For larger collections, Reading Family Aid is happy to arrange direct pickup from offices in Reading and the surrounding areas.

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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.

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.

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​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!