Wokingham MP Clive Jones lent a helping hand at a borough charity recently.
At The Cowshed’s Winnersh Triangle warehouse he joined a team of volunteers busily wrapping thousands of presents for children in the borough whose families are facing hardship.
“I love Christmas,” he said.
“Working in the toy industry, it has always been a big part of my life, and The Cowshed is a great charity to be supporting.
“They’re helping so many people facing difficult circumstances at this time of year to get through a very challenging period.
“Over the next few weeks thousands of brand new presents will be delivered so that childen whose families are going through tough times can experience the same kind of Christmas as other more fortunate youngsters in the borough.”
More than 2,500 sacks of toys are being filled with Christmas goodies for children.
Each child will receive a sack containing a main present, a couple of smaller presents, three stocking fillers, a book, some sweets and a selection box.
Surrounded by toys in the warehouse it is difficult to imagine that more are needed, but Cowshed volunteer Vicky Newland explains that with so many youngsters to receive Christmas stockings, the charity eagerly requests more donations.
“We’re particularly short of items for children in their teens, and for very young children,” Vicky said.
“We’re aiming to reach at least 2,500 children – maybe even 3,000.
“We’re all right for wrapping thanks to our volunteers who love doing this job and sign up every year, and also thanks to teams of corporate volunteers who are giving up a day of work to help us.
“As a volunteer, I’ve seen the huge difference The Cowshed makes to families in lots of different ways.
“It doesn’t matter what the crisis is – we’re there to help.”
To donate to the charity’s Christmas toy appeal, people can visit an Amazon wish list link on their website.
Or they can buy a present while out shopping, and drop it off at The Cowshed’s Winnersh warehouse, or its Wokingham operations centre.
Stocking fillers and presents for boys and girls aged10 years and upwards, and for young toddlers, are particularly welcomed.
While the charity gives children pre-loved toys during the year, at Christmas all donated toys must be new.
To donate and for more information, visit: thecowshed.org
