A CHRISTMAS present scheme aims to make sure that no child in the borough whose family is experiencing hardship has to go without a gift to open on Christmas morning.
Organised by Wokingham volunteer Gill Mckernan for more than 25 years, the Giving Tree enables residents to support youngsters in the borough who would otherwise not receive a present, by buying a gift requested on a special Giving Tree tag.
Just one week into this year’s campaign, Gill said: “The response to the Giving Tree has already been fantastic, with lots of gift tags being taken off the trees, especially from the Tesco stores and the library.
“A lovely range of gift cards, toiletries and goodies for Christmas are already being returned by the very generous local people.
“Gift tags are being taken at such a rate that I’m having to top them up faster than ever – it’s an amazing response.”
How does it work?
Giving Trees in and around Wokingham bear gift tags with present requests from children.
Shoppers choose a tag, buy the requested gift, and then return it, unwrapped to the same tree.
The presents are then taken to a holding area provided by First Days Children’s Charity’s, to be collected, wrapped and delivered by participating charities.
The scheme was launched earlier this month at Wokingham Library, by Wokingham Borough Deputy Mayor Cllr Carol Jewell, and Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Rob Comber, who both chose gift tags from the library tree.
Which charities will be distributing gifts?
Transform Housing and Support Wokingham
Home-Start Wokingham District
Dingley’s Promise
Kaleidoscopic UK
Berkshire Women’s Aid
Berkshire Vision
Barnardo’s
The Cow Shed
First Days Children’s Charity
Promise Inclusion
Sebastian’s Action Trust
Where can I find a Giving Tree?
Tesco Wokingham (gift card tags)
Tesco Warfield
Tesco Martins Heron
Wokingham Library
Newbury Building Society, Wokingham
Wokingham Borough Council Offices
Nirvana Spa, Winnersh
Sedero Lounge, Wokingham
“Last year I had to store all the gifts in my house, and I could barely move, so I’m especially grateful to First Day’s Children’s Charity, who offered to be this year’s collection point,” said Gill.
To take part in the present giving scheme shoppers can simply take a gift tag, buy the requested present, and bring it with its tag to the same tree.
To make sure all the presents are ready for Christmas, tags carry a December return-by date, with all gifts needing to be returned by Sunday, December 15.
