WOKINGHAM United Charities’ Christmas Cheer grant has enabled10 charities to provide Fun festive events and treats for disadvantaged people in the borough.
Age UK Berkshire, The Rotary Club, Power of Parenting, Project Salama, ABC to read, The Cowshed, The Link Visiting Scheme, Sunflower Club, Kaleidoscopic, and The Grub Club all benefited from the grant, putting on parties, lunches, and providing festive food for the people they support.
At The Cornerstone in Wokingham, members of the Grub Club were able to enjoy an all-age party, complete with entertainment, party games, a buffet – and a visit from special visitor Santa who heard children’s Christmas wishes and posed for photos from his festive camper van.
Sue lovell, from Our Community First, which organised the Grub Club event, said: “Disadvantaged families often don’t have a very fun time at Christmas, so we want to make it special for them.”
Their community Christmas party was filled with dancing children, festive lights, and the added attractions of a DJ, a balloon artist, Santa, and a rodeo reindeer.
Visitors were able to enjoy a good time, and a buffet meal, and each family received a festive food bag to take home with them, filled with little treats the families wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.
“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Wokingham United Charities for helping to fund the event,” said Sue.
“Without their support, and donations we receive from other organisations I’m not sure this party would have been put on at all.
“And a big thank you, too, to our wonderful volunteers, who are incredible.
“Many are church members from all over Wokingham, working in the kitchen today, helping to run the party in the hall, and welcoming our guests.”
Wokingham Borough Councillor Nagi Nagella was at the party.
He said: “The atmosphere is buzzing, and the families are having a great time, with lots of fun entertainment – it’s fantastic.
“Santa is an added bonus and I’m so happy to be here.
“Huge thanks to Our Community First for putting on this event.”
The Grub Club is looking for more volunteers in 2026.
A collaboration with Churches Together Wokingham, Our Community First and Wokingham Borough Council, it supports families in the school holidays who would normally access free school meals.
“We’ll be holding events throughout 2026, and would love people to come and help,” said Sue.
To volunteer, and for more information, visit: Our Community First’s Facebook page, The Grub Club’s Facebook page, or email: the [email protected].
