A CAMPAIGN that delivered a happy Christmas to well over a thousand children in Reading launches today.

Every year the Reading Chronicle teams up with local charity Reading Family Aid to collect presents for children and teenagers who might otherwise wake to an empty stocking.

Last year thanks to the hard work of the charity's many volunteers and the generosity of hundreds of residents looking to spread some seasonal cheer, 1,350 disadvantaged children from 600 families enjoyed their share of more than 10,000 donated items.

Ruth Perkins, vice chairperson of Reading Family Aid, said: “These are children who would otherwise be unlikely to receive any Christmas gifts.

“This is largely caused by poverty but also through illness and disability, drug and alcohol abuse, refugee status and so on.

“It is never the children's fault that they are in this situation. How do you tell your five year old that once again Father Christmas has forgotten to stop by?

“Its heartbreaking just to think about it – that’s what keeps us involved and why we are asking the people of Reading to get involved.”

Donation points situated from Theale to Twyford and Winnersh to Shinfield will open on October 19 and remain open until Sunday December 3, after which scores of volunteers will sort, pack and deliver the gifts to their grateful recipients.

Reading Family Aid offers year-round support to disadvantaged children and monetary donations are welcomed. In addition to the Toys and Teens appeal at Christmas, they arrange trips to the seaside, the pantomime and London Zoo.

For a full list of donation points, click here.

For more information visit www.readingfamilyaid.org or follow @RdgFamilyAid and www.facebook.com/readingfamilyaid