The Queen’s Award-winner Reading Family Aid is asking their generous supporters from the local community to donate money to its Christmas Go Fund Me appeal.

The money raised used to buy new Christmas presents for deprived children in Reading and delivered directly to the organisations that help them.

Every year schools, organisations, and local companies donate toys and money to the appeal. One of these companies, Roc Search, has been supporting the Christmas appeal for many years.

Roc Search marketing manager Nathan Fenton said “The fact that thousands of children in Reading alone wake up on Christmas morning to find that Santa’s left them nothing is heart-breaking. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are but more importantly it serves as an opportunity for us to make a difference in these children’s lives.”

Reading Family Aid vice chairman Wendy Howell has seen first hand the impact this Christmas appeal has on people’s lives.

She said: “Some years ago, when we were packing toys, I found a card enclosed with a gift. The card read: “As a child, I knew my family struggled with day-to-day living and wondered what Christmas would be like with a little money?

“I was so happy on Christmas morning to find presents under our small tree. Sometime later I discovered that Reading Family Aid had provided those toys. I never forgot that.

“So now, as an adult, I want to repay them by donating a toy to pass on to another struggling family. Keep up the good work.”

I remember bursting into tears when I read this message. Once I composed myself, I read the card to the other volunteers, reminding them that it was the reason why we do what we do”.

In 2020, the Toys and Teens Appeal delivered gifts to over 1,400 disadvantaged children in time for Christmas. This year, please consider donating to this cause and share the crowdfunding page on your social media. Anything you can give, no matter how small will make a huge difference to these families at Christmas. This year Roc Search are collecting both toys and monetary donations for the Toys and Teens appeal. Please get in touch with the charity if your company would also like to arrange a toy collection for the appeal this year.

Or donate at Lower Earley Library, Chalfont Close, Earley, Reading RG6 5HZ anytime until December 4 during opening hours 9:30am to 5pm (7pm on Thursdays, 4:30pm on Saturdays, closed Wednesdays and Sundays).

We have had requests for more than 2,500 children. So far, we’ve raised about £4,000. There’s a long way to go. The fundraising page will remain open until December 4, after which the funds will be used to buy presents that will be sent directly to organisations and distributed to deprived children across Reading. To donate online go to gofundme.com/f/Reading-Family-Aid-Toys-and-Teens-21