Community · Reading
Reading Family Aid launches 2026 Christmas Toys and Teens Appeal
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Reading Family Aid has begun its annual Christmas campaign, calling on the community to donate gifts for children aged up to 16 facing financial hardship.
Reading Family Aid has officially launched its Toys and Teens Appeal for 2026, marking the start of a local effort to support children across the area who are facing financial hardship. The charity is aiming to help thousands of families as the festive season approaches, ensuring that children receive gifts they might otherwise go without due to the rising costs of living.
Last year, the organisation successfully provided gifts to more than 2,650 children. With the new appeal now underway, the charity is emphasising the importance of community support for children ranging from birth to 16 years of age. Organisers have noted that older children are often overlooked during festive collections, and are specifically encouraging donations of items suitable for teenagers.
How to support the appeal
The charity has highlighted several ways in which local residents, businesses and community groups can contribute to the appeal:
Donate a gift: New or nearly-new toys and presents in excellent condition can be dropped off at designated local collection points. Residents can check the Reading Family Aid website for their nearest location.
Financial contributions: Supporters can donate through the official GoFundMe page . These funds are used by the charity to purchase new presents for age groups that typically receive fewer donations.
Organise a collection: Schools, workplaces and community groups are encouraged to set up their own internal collections to gather gifts for the appeal.
Gift suggestions: For those unsure of what to donate, the charity provides guidance on its website . Suggested items for teenagers include toiletries, skincare sets, sports equipment, books, games and gift vouchers.
For many families, the appeal offers significant emotional and financial relief. Local support workers have reported that the presence of these gifts under the tree can make a substantial difference to parents who are balancing tight household budgets against the pressures of the festive season. The charity continues to rely on the generosity of the Reading community to ensure that no child feels forgotten this Christmas.
Source: Reading Chronicle · View original