WEST Berkshire Council and A2Dominion have launched this year’s ‘Giving Tree’ as part of the worldwide White Ribbon Campaign which aims to eliminate violence against women and children.

The ‘Giving Tree’ has held a regular spot in the reception area of the council’s Market Street offices.

However, this year the tree has extended its branches across West Berkshire to now include trees at Tilehurst Parish Council and Hungerford Hub and Library meaning more people can get involved in the gift of giving.

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Jade Wilder, Prevention Coordinator at West Berkshire Council, said: “This year we have expanded our ‘Giving Tree’ to three areas across West Berkshire due to the continuing growth of generosity from members of our community.

“Christmas is a time for giving and the ‘Giving Tree’ provides residents with an opportunity to share their Christmas spirit by donating a gift to a child or woman who has been affected by domestic abuse.

"Last year we received a huge amount of gifts which meant that a child could have more than one present to open at Christmas – we hope that this year will be equally as successful!”

The trees will be decorated with a number of labels which have the gender and age of a child on them who has experienced domestic abuse in their life.

There will also be labels for women affected by domestic abuse, living both in refuges and in the community.

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A spokesperson from West Berkshire Domestic Abuse Service, provided by A2Dominion, said: “The ‘Giving Tree’ is a brilliant scheme that allows some of the most hidden people in society to have a good Christmas at a really difficult time of year.

“We often have people needing to come to refuges with literally what they can carry.

"Children often have to leave their toys behind as well as their friends and family, and the generosity of West Berkshire residents and businesses means that families can have something positive in their lives at a time of great stress and upheaval.”

To take part visit one of the three venues (Newbury, Tilehurst or Hungerford) from Tuesday December 3, pick a label from the tree and then choose your corresponding gift.

The gifts can be a mixture of donations, toys and experiences such as a trip to the cinema, a new haircut or educational books.

Local businesses are also welcome to donate a voucher or experience.

The gifts need to be new, unused and not wrapped up but placed in an open gift bag with the label from the tree attached.

The gift bags need to be handed back to the location where the label was picked, or at one of the other venues if easier for you, by Friday December 13 which will enable distribution to take place the following week.

The initiative is arranged by West Berkshire Council as part of its ongoing work, alongside partner organisations, to help protect and care for victims of abuse across the district.

To pick your gift label from the ‘Giving Tree’ you can visit one of the following three venues during their opening hours:

Newbury: West Berkshire Council, Market Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5LD.

Monday - Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm

Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Tilehurst: Tilehurst Parish Council, Highview, Calcot, RG31 4XD.

Monday - Friday: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

Hungerford: Hungerford Hub and Library, Church St, Hungerford, RG17 0JG.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 9:30am to 5:00pm

Wednesday: 9:30am to 4:00pm

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 9:30am to 7:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am to 12:30pm

Sunday: Closed