TOYS and TEENS LAUNCHES!

Reading Family Aid’s Toys & Teens appeal is back for another year, sponsored by The Reading Chronicle. This year the appeal is accepting new and nearly new toys at 26 donation points across Reading and the surrounding areas. These toys and gifts will be distributed to disadvantaged children in Reading and the surrounding area, ready to be opened on Christmas day. ​

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A mother who benefited from the appeal last year shared her experience: “I am a single mum with 3 children aged 9, 12, and 16. I am also responsible for my father, who has early onset dementia and is currently ill in the hospital. I work two jobs, one during the day and another in the evening. I feel exhausted all the time and feel like I can’t give my children the time they deserve. On top of that, no matter how hard I work, I never have enough money. I am constantly in debt with bills I can't pay. I am never able to buy the extra treats at the supermarket and I am telling my children 'no' all the time. Christmas is a hard time for me. I dread it. I feel like I can't give my children what I want to give them and what they deserve. Most people look forward to Christmas, but for me, it’s a reminder of what my children miss out on.”

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Reading Mayor Councillor Glenn Dennis officially launched this year’s appeal today.  He said, “I am so pleased to be launching the incredibly important Toys and Teens Appeal this year. The appeal supports children from really poor backgrounds whose families don’t have the means to provide them with a present at Christmas. The appeal steps in and fills that gap.” He added, “People aren’t going to advertise to you that they are really struggling. They have pride. But as a Councillor, I am in contact with families who are so poor, they won’t be able to afford any presents this Christmas. Please support the appeal by donating gifts at any of the donation points in Reading. Thank you.”

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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. For more ideas, please see this detailed list for this age group or this full list for all ages.

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The Toys and Teens Appeal 2024 will be collecting donated new and nearly new toys from donation drop off points, as well as using funds from the Go Fund Me online to buy gifts for children to open on Christmas day. 
To support the campaign you can donate a gift to the drop off points - more details on what can be donated can be found here.

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If you cannot donate a gift the campaign also has an online GoFundMe page to help buy new presents for age groups that receive less donations each year.