Charity
A Christmas toy appeal has brought festive cheer to families in need.
Around 600 toys were donated to charities across Bracknell Forest, Reading, and Wokingham through the re3 Partnership’s first Christmas toy appeal, delivered in collaboration with Anglo Doorstep Collections.
The toys, both new and pre-loved, were collected through Anglo’s doorstep service and distributed to three charities—Reading Family Aid, Share Wokingham, and First Days Children’s Charity—which support families in need across the region.
Councillors Karen Rowland, Helen Purnell and Katrin Harding said: “This is our first toy appeal through the re3 partnership and residents’ generosity has been truly heart-warming.
“The donations will bring joy to families who may otherwise go without, while giving hundreds of good-quality toys a second life.
“This shows what we can achieve when we work together: reducing waste and making a meaningful difference when it’s needed most.”
Reading Family Aid prepares gifts for more than 2,600 children—including 800 teenagers—through its annual Toys & Teens Appeal.
Share Wokingham, which provides food and essentials to nearly 100 families each week, gave households the opportunity to choose free toys as Christmas gifts.
First Days Children’s Charity, which supports local children with essential items for home and school, will distribute toys across families in all three boroughs.
Anthony Al-Ghabban, director of Anglo Doorstep Collections, said: “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the re3 Partnership on this Christmas toy appeal.
“Thanks to the councils promoting the Anglo free doorstep collection service, we noticed a 35 per cent increase in the volume of items collected from the area within the first month alone.
“We are very pleased that toys could reach children who need them most and it’s been wonderful to see the positive impact across local families and communities.”
Residents who wish to continue donating toys, clothing, shoes, small electricals, towels, or bed linen can book a free collection through Anglo Doorstep Collections at www.re3partnership.co.uk/doorstepcollection.
