More than 1,600 children across Reading are only able to open presents on Christmas Day because of the generosity of people around the town who donate gifts to the annual Toys and Teens appeal, run by Reading Family Aid (RFA).

But with just four days left until the Chronicle-sponsored appeal finishes for another year, the charity is issuing a final appeal for toys and teenage gifts.

RFA chairwoman Sallie Wall is urging people who have been thinking about donating to the appeal to come forward before it closes on Sunday night.

She said: “Everyone has been so generous so we just want everyone to keep up the good work until the end of the appeal so we can make sure every child that needs us has a merry Christmas.” Last year’s appeal helped 1,600 children aged from birth to 16 years old in 678 families have presents underneath their Christmas trees. Volunteers packed 775 bag-loads of toys at the secret sorting centre, eight large Transit vans of gifts — including cuddly toys, board games, make-up and toiletries — which were donated by the people of Reading to the appeal.

This year the charity has an equal number of girls and boys to split the gifts between and is looking for more toys for five to nine-year-old boys including action figures and construction kits such as Lego or Playmobil.

Mary and John Baker, owners of Chapter One Books in Woodley, clubbed together with staff to donate a box of books for children of all ages. Mrs Baker was delighted to help the appeal, and said it is important to give children — especially from disadvantaged families — books to read.

She added: “We are particularly keen to help local charities and help the youngsters of Reading.

“I think it is vitally important that children have books.

“It’s so important for them when they might not have the access to their own books so they can have one or two books of their own.”