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 (Reading Chronicle "Toys & Teens Appeal"). We also provide a visit to the Hexagon panto, and outings throughout the year for children and their families who couldn't afford to go otherwise.

Why the community needs this charity

Reading seems such a prosperous town that many people might find it hard to imagine that there are desperately deprived families here. But there are 6,635 children living here in poverty - significantly higher than the national average (Source: APHO and Department of Health. © Crown Copyright 2010). We aim to offer these families some relief from the harsh day-to-day realities of their lives, and some of the extras that social services and other groups can't provide.

Results and outcomes

In 2011 - 1,400 children received a sack of toys at Christmas; children and their families shared 100 tickets for the Hexagon Pantomime; 214 spent a day at Chessington World of Adventure; 40 had an overnight stay at Ufton Court Educational Centre, which provides exciting events and resources for children and families; 88 enjoyed a Fun Day at Camp Mohawk in Wargrave, which provides activities for children on the autistic spectrum and their families.

Latest activities and projects

Big Summer Outing - July 2012

We offer families a good day out, a change of scene and a chance to enjoy each other's company away from the stresses of daily life at home. In 2011 we took 214 children and their families on a coach trip to Chessington World of Adventures. Everyone had a great time. In 2010 it was a day at the seaside in Bournemouth. This year's outing will be on 26th July - watch this space to find out where we're going! read more

Fun day at Camp Mohawk - June 2012

Camp Mohawk is an amazing multi-functional day centre for special needs children, set in 5 acres of beautiful countryside just outside Wargrave, Berkshire. We're planning a group visit, with children on the autistic spectrum plus their siblings and parents, in June 2012. We provide transport to Wargrave and back, plus refreshments during the day. 88 children enjoyed this trip with us last year. For more information about Camp Mohawk, visit www.campmohawk.org.uk read more

The Reading Chronicle "Toys and Teens Appeal" 2011

We collect and distribute thousands of toys and gifts to disadvantaged Reading children at Christmas. The toys are donated by businesses, churches, schools and generous members of the public. About 1,400 children aged between 0 - 16 received gifts through us in 2011. read more