Santa gets a helping hand from Wokingham residents thanks to The Giving Tree

SANTA’S sack will be a little bit heavier this year, thanks to the generous people of Wokingham.

Once again, they have been extra kind in the annual Giving Tree Appeal to make a local child smile this Christmas.

The campaign, which has been running for 17 years, invites people to choose a tag from one of the many Giving Trees across the borough, buy the gift on the tag and return it to the tree.

Big-hearted volunteers then go to work to get the presents to the local charities benefiting from the appeal and make sure they go to children whose stockings might otherwise have been empty on Christmas morning.

Gill McKernan, from Barnardo’s High Close School, who organises the appeal with a team of volunteers including the kind staff at Transform Housing, described this year’s effort as “amazing”.

She said: “The Giving Tree appeal has gone so very well this year and 2,000 tags have been taken from the trees.

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“The gifts are nearly all in and are with the charities being wrapped up ready for Christmas Day.

“It is obvious how much care and attention the generous people of our local area have taken in choosing the perfect gift. The children have been bought such lovely presents with some extras being included.

“There will be some very happy children on Christmas Day.

“I want to thank everyone who has bought a gift and for all the businesses for hosting a tree and delivering the presents.

“Transform Housing have worked tirelessly in collecting and sorting out the gifts.

Mrs McKernan added: “Without the help of Transform Housing, The Giving Tree couldn’t happen but most importantly, it wouldn’t go ahead without the generosity and kindness of the local people.

“On behalf of all the children, I would like to say a huge thank you as unfortunately, they aren’t able to thank you themselves. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.”