SHOPPERS in and around Wokingham have responded so generously to a campaign to buy Christmas presents for disadvantaged children that the last of this year’s gift tags have now been distributed to Giving Trees in the borough.
The special Christmas trees were set up in a number of local stores and businesses, and bear gift tag requests from borough children whose families are facing difficulties.
People choose a tag, buy the present requested on it and return the unwrapped present to the same store.
For more than 20 years, the Giving Tree campaign has been helping to make sure that no youngster needs to miss out on a visit from Santa.
Gill McKernan, organiser of the appeal, said: “It has gone amazingly well, and the last of the gift tags have been placed on the trees for collection.
“I’m now distributing presents to the participating charities, for them to wrap and give out to the children they support.
“People have been amazingly generous.
“The quality of gifts, and the amounts put on gift cards are just wonderful.
“Residents have really understood the need, and dug deep.”
People can still find gift tags on Giving Trees at:
Tesco Wokingham (gift voucher tags only)
Tesco Warfield
Tesco Martins Heron
Sedero Lounge
Newbury Building Society in Wokingham
Wokingham Borough Council
Nirvana Spa in Winnersh, and
Wokingham Library
Charities distributing gifts to children are:
Transform Housing
Home Start
Dingley’s Promise
Kaleidoscopic
Berkshire Women’s Aid
Berkshire Vision
Barnardo’s
The Cow Shed
First Days
Promise Inclusion, and
Sebastians Action Trust
Businesses supporting the campaign this year are:
Simply Commerce in Wokingham
PricewaterhouseCoopers in Reading
accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, Reading
Guardian Financial Services in Reading
Dell in Bracknell
clothing and apparel company Ariat, and
Artizian Catering Services of Hurst
Caroline Peppiatt from Artezian said: “We’re proud to support The Giving Tree.
“We love how the charity connects donors directly with the specific needs and wishes of those they help.
“It’s not just about giving, it’s about making a real impact in people’s lives.
“Seeing the positive vibes and sense of community it brings is what keeps us excited to be part of it.
“And the charity’s dedication to making sure nobody is left without during Christmas perfectly aligns with our commitment to social responsibility and community involvement.
“Artizian is passionate about making a positive difference to the wellbeing of our community and our planet, so together we can thrive.”
