A LOCAL children’s charity is bringing the joy of Christmas to families in the borough who are experiencing hardship.
First Days’ festive event, A Christmas Presence, is a community project taking place in the charity’s Wokingham premises..
Families who have been identified as needing help can come along to choose gifts for their children, along with items for a food hamper.
Businesses and members of the public are supporting the project by donating funds and providing presents.
The event has been organised in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, SHARE Wokingham, and the Wokingham Foodbank.
First Days’ building been transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
It’s warm, welcoming and a very Christmassy space for people to go to.
Filled with comfy sofas, glowing fireplaces, Christmas trees, twinkling lights and traditional furniture, it feels like walking straight into Santa’s Scandinavian home.
Families can come inside to keep warm, have a hot drink, and access other services whilst charging devices, and saving on household energy bills.
And if they need any warm children’s clothes, the school uniform shop upstairs currently stocks winter coats and jumpers.
On Thursdays in December, 1, 8, 15, and 22 eligible families are able to book a slot to visit the event.
While children enjoy the play area, parents can visit the First Days Christmas toy store.
Its shelves are filled with brand new children’s gifts, donated by members of the public and businesses.
It looks just like a traditional toy shop.
“That’s the idea,” says Jo Pester, operations lead at First Days.
“We want families in need to feel that they have a choice this Christmas.
“We want parents to feel empowered, able to come inside and choose presents for their children.
“It’s not about us giving them a bag of toys for an eight year old boy that might not be suitable.
“That just wouldn’t hit the mark.
Every child receives 50 points, with parents choosing presents from the store up to that value.
Around 1000 children have been identified as needing support.
The shop is so far stocked with toys for just 350 of them.
“We need a lot more toys, and as soon as possible,” Jo says.
“Anyone can contribute, so please have a look at the Amazon wish list on our website.”
On the first three Saturdays in December, The Snug will open its doors, free of charge, to the general public.
“We want to share this lovely resource with everyone, and raise public awareness of our projects,” says Jo.
“People can come and see what we are doing here, make a donation, have a cup of tea, and their children will be able to take part in crafting events.”
First Days is also holding three evening crafting events at The Elevate Centre during the week beginning Monday December 5.
Wreath making on Monday, festive crocheting on Wednesday, and painting and prosecco on Friday, will each cost £30, to help fun children’s presents for the store.
Christmas Presence is located in The Elevate Centre, where Wokingham Police Station used to be.
It is accessed via the passage way, beside Kaanaanmaa jewellers, that leads to the car park.
It opens on Thursdays in December for families eligible for support.
Members of the public are welcomed on Saturdays in December, 3, 10, and 17 public from 11am to 3pm.
Families who think they may qualify for support, and who would like to visit The Snug can fill in a self referral form on First Days’ website.
Anyone wishing to contribute to First Days’ Christmas Presence community project, should visit the charity’s website: www.firstdays.net
