The public is responding generously to a borough Christmas gift giving campaign.
With help from kind hearted shoppers, the Giving Tree aims to make sure that no youngster in the borough whose family is experiencing difficulties will go without a present on Christmas Day.
Special Giving Trees in the borough have been dressed with gift tags bearing children’s Christmas present wishes.
It’s easy to take part:
Shoppers choose a child’s wish, buy the requested toy or voucher, and then simply return the present and the tag to the same tree.
Distributed to local charities, the gifts are then wrapped and delivered for children to open at Christmas.
After only one week, tags have already needed to be topped up.
“I have been bowled over by the response to this year’s Giving Tree,” said campaign organiser Gillian McKernan.
“As soon as the Gift Tags are put on the Christmas Trees, they have been taken by kind and generous shoppers.
“So I have already been kept really busy topping up the trees.
“But there are still plenty of tags available at all the venues for anyone who would like to choose a gift for a disadvantaged child this Christmas.”
Giving trees can be found at the following venues:
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Tesco Wokingham (gift voucher tags only)
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Tesco Warfield
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Tesco Martins Heron
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Newbury Building Society in Wokingham
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Wokingham Borough Council
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Nirvana Spa in Winnersh
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Wokingham Library
Library assistant for community and partnerships Di Millard, said: “Wokingham Library’s Giving Tree is up and loaded with tags.
“We are delighted to be able to support the many charities linked with the Giving Tree, and to foster a community spirit with our generous public.”
Charities that will be distributing gifts to children are:
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Transform Housing
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Home Start
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Dingley’s Promise
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Kaleidoscopic
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Berkshire Women’s Aid
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Berkshire Vision
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Barnardo’s
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The Cow Shed
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First Days
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Promise Inclusion
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Sebastians Action Trust
Businesses supporting the campaign this year are:
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Simply Commerce in Wokingham
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PricewaterhouseCoopers in Reading
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accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, Reading
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Guardian Financial Services, Reading
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Dell in Bracknell
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Artizian Catering Services of Hurst
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clothing and apparel company Ariat
