A SUPERMARKET in Reading have thrown their weight behind a campaign to give gifts to the less fortunate children of Reading for the fifth year in a row.

Sainsbury’s on Friar Street has set itself up as a donation point for presents gifted to the Toys and Teens appeal run by Berkshire charity Reading Family Aid.

Last year the appeal filled the stockings of 1,500 young people and this time around they are aiming to do better.

Charlotte Bernard, charity and community liaison for Sainsbury’s, said: “There is more poverty in the town than people are aware of.

“I know what it is like to not get presents at Christmas and I know what it is like as a mum to not be able to afford Christmas presents.

“It is a great feeling knowing you will help children wake up happy on Christmas morning.”

In 2015 Sainsbury’s collected three van-loads of toys which were then delivered to Reading Family Aid to be sorted into bundles.

“A lot of people have benefited from the appeal and that is the main reason for us to get involved,” Ms Bernard said. “Around four of us do the picking and a lot of us get involved with donating presents.

“I would encourage all businesses whatever size in Reading to get involved.”

Adam Thompson, store manager of the Friar Street shop, said: “I think it is a very good campaign and something I am very glad Sainsbury’s is a part of.”

The Toys and Teens appeal is currently asking for people to donate gifts at one of the many donation points across the town.

To find out how you can help and for a full list of donation points, go to www.readingfamilyaid.org