IT is the time of year when we are urged to stop for a moment and consider those who are less fortunate than ourselves. But this story, about a bunch of vulnerable youngsters, is sure to touch the heart of even the most stingy of Christmas Scrooges.

The children, under the care of Calcot Services for Children, told their carers that they wanted to donate their pocket money so that children who rely on the town’s food bank could have a present to open on Christmas day.

Emma Wilcox, therapeutic resident care worker, said: “I am really surprised and humbled by how much they have given. They know that feeling of waking up on Christmas and it being the same as any other day.

“Some of our children grew up not even knowing what a birthday is and that is just so sad. We know some of the people at the food bank might not have enough money for Christmas dinner let alone to buy any presents. We know the stories of where our children come from but they are the lucky ones because they are in our care now.”

Staff from the group of homes for vulnerable children have helped them to purchase gifts for all ages including toys, books, games, slippers and dolls.

Showing off their collection at the charity’s head office in Green Park, volunteers were overcome with the touching festive gesture.

Emma said: “They know what it’s like to not have anything at Christmas and come from backgrounds of neglect and sexual exploitation. Christmas can be a time of crisis for some of our children, they can’t cope with having nice stuff because they are so used to being put down all the time. Others embrace it because for one reason or another they are not with their parents.”

On Saturday staff handed over the collection of items to the Wokingham Food Bank in time to be distributed for Christmas.