Reading Family Aid

Reading Family Aid

07930033413

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Give monthly

What your gift could provide

£5

A teddy for a child at Christmas

£14

A ticket for the Hexagon pantomime

£25

A place on our main summer outing

Fundraise for us!

We aim to put a smile on the faces of disadvantaged children in the Reading area.

We help children living with poverty and other disadvantages. They may be young carers, for example; or living in a family affected by drug taking, physical abuse, chronic illness or disability; or they may have a disability or illness themselves. We distribute toys at Christmas to children aged 0-16 (The Reading Chronicle "Toys & Teens Appeal"). If our funds permit, we also provide outings throughout the year for children and their families who couldn't afford to go otherwise.

Why the community needs us

Reading seems so prosperous that many people might find it hard to imagine there are desperately deprived families here. But in 2012, 24% of Reading's children were living in poverty - that's 7,798 children (Source: The Campaign to End Child Poverty, 2013). All the families referred to us are in genuine need. We aim to offer them some relief from the harsh day-to-day realities of their lives - some of the extras that social services and other agencies can't provide.

Our impact on the community

In 2014, 1,500 children received a sack of toys at Christmas, and in May 2015, 91 enjoyed a Fun Day at Camp Mohawk in Wargrave, which provides activities for children on the autistic spectrum and their families. In previous years 200 children and their families came with us to Butlins at Bognor Regis, and 40 had an overnight stay at Ufton Court Educational Centre, which provides exciting events and resources for children and families.

Volunteers needed

We welcome volunteers to help us with the Toys and Teens Appeal in early December: delivery drivers, van loaders, toy sorters and packers, tea and sandwich makers. We also welcome volunteers to join our friendly committee, which meets about eight times a year. We especially need people with basic computer skills, to use email, produce small documents, and maintain our website and social media; also those with good organisational skills and experience in fundraising.

Charity information

Telephone: 07930033413

Established in: 1979

Registered charity no.: 1022144